Fort Wayne Judge Sentences Man to 85 Years
Cameron Kizer Jr. received an 85-year prison term for the murder of 20-year-old Jathen Maxwell.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Violence
A judge sentenced 21-year-old Cameron Kizer Jr. to 85 years in prison following a murder conviction. The sentence includes 65 years for the murder of Jathen Maxwell and an additional 20-year firearm enhancement.
Why it matters
The lengthy sentence reflects the court's application of a firearm enhancement following a jury conviction. This punishment is consecutive to a previous battery conviction Kizer was already serving while held at the Westville Correctional Facility.
Kizer received an 85-year total prison sentence, which consists of a 65-year murder sentence and a 20-year consecutive firearm enhancement. The ruling follows his conviction by a jury for the July 2024 shooting of Jathen Maxwell.
The players
Cameron Kizer Jr.
The 21-year-old defendant was convicted of murder and sentenced to 85 years in prison.
Jathen Maxwell
The 20-year-old victim was shot and killed in Fort Wayne.
The details
Prosecutors presented evidence that Kizer posted 'head shot' on social media and shared videos of himself rapping about the crime shortly after the shooting. Kizer was already incarcerated at the Westville Correctional Facility on a battery conviction when these murder charges were brought against him.
Timeline
July 2024: Jathen Maxwell was shot and killed.
October 30, 2026: Cameron Kizer Jr. was sentenced.
Legal Context
The court's decision to append 20 years to the base sentence follows the standard application of the Indiana firearm sentencing enhancement law. This ruling aligns with broader judicial trends in the state that prioritize consecutive sentencing for crimes involving the use of weapons.
This case concludes the legal process for a high-profile local homicide investigation that occurred in July 2024. The sentencing provides a final resolution for the community regarding the status of the suspect who was already in state custody.
The takeaway
The court used digital evidence, including social media posts, to solidify the case during the trial. Residents are reminded that local authorities continue to utilize electronic communications as key evidence in criminal prosecutions.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the area, visit Fort Wayne violence.
