Glynon Nelson

Glynon Nelson, a 38-year-old Black man, was a pillar in his Crown Point, Indiana, community, known affectionately as "Coach Glyn." A devoted husband and father of four, Nelson poured his energy into mentoring young athletes. He and his friend Darrius Ross started an amateur basketball program called Victory Elite, giving dozens of kids a safe place to practice and play. His dedication was legendary among those who knew him. Friends recalled that for Nelson, "It was all about the kids first, no ego, none about himself." He would often rent court time and pay out of his own pocket to cover the cost of uniforms and shoes for children who couldn't afford them. "He had a heart of giving," Ross said. "Not for show, not to get his money back, it was so pure." To support his family and his passion, Nelson also worked as a rideshare driver for Lyft.

On the evening of September 23, 2021, Nelson was believed to be working as a rideshare driver in Gary, Indiana. Around 11:15 p.m., his body was discovered along the side of the road in the 6600 block of Atcheson Drive, near Old Hobart Road in the city’s Miller section. He had been murdered. The news sent a shockwave through the communities in Crown Point and Merrillville where he was active.

Days after his death, about 100 friends and family members gathered for a vigil at Full Spectrum Fitness, the gym where Nelson's team practiced. Surrounded by a circle of supporters, his wife, Chanel Nelson, spoke about the man she loved. "I truly didn't know how many people he touched," she said. "I knew it was a lot, but this really uplifts us... He had a lot of love. He had a big heart." The owner of the gym, John Brant, called Nelson's death a "tragic loss for the community," noting the immense time and effort he spent mentoring kids.

The investigation into Glynon Nelson's murder soon led Gary police to two local men, Robert E. Simms III and Isiah Lenburg. In October 2021, both men were arrested and formally charged with murder and other felonies in connection with Nelson's death. The case progressed through the legal system, and Robert E. Simms III was ultimately sentenced for the murders of both Glynon Nelson and another man, Nicholas Kowalski. The case is now considered solved.