Shaun Harden Sentenced to 90 Years for Murder
An Indianapolis man received a 90-year prison term for his role in the 2023 slaying of Contrel Jackson.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Shaun Harden was sentenced to 90 years in prison on September 23, 2026, following his conviction for the murder and conspiracy to commit murder of Contrel Jackson. Jackson's body was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound near W. 16th Street and S. Miller Avenue in August 2023.
Why it matters
The sentencing marks a major step in the ongoing prosecution of a deadly conspiracy on the near northwest side of Indianapolis. Legal proceedings continue for co-defendants linked to the crime as the justice system works to hold all alleged participants accountable.
Shaun Harden received a total 95-year sentence, with 60 years for murder and 35 years for conspiracy to commit murder, resulting in 90 years served after accounting for a five-year suspension. The legal status of his co-defendants remains pending.
The players
Shaun Harden
He is the defendant who was sentenced to 90 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for the murder of Contrel Jackson.
Contrel Jackson
He was the victim of the 2023 homicide case found at the intersection of W. 16th Street and S. Miller Avenue.
Da'Von Bynum
He is a co-defendant charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder who is awaiting a jury trial.
Dejuan Martin
He is a co-defendant charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder who is awaiting a jury trial.
The details
Authorities tracked the suspects to a home on the near northwest side of Indianapolis after identifying a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting. Investigators recovered the victim, Contrel Jackson, on August 22, 2023, initiating a long-term investigation that led to Harden's conviction in August 2026.
Timeline
August 22, 2023: Contrel Jackson's body was recovered near W. 16th Street and S. Miller Avenue.
August 2026: A jury convicted Shaun Harden of murder and conspiracy.
September 23, 2026: Shaun Harden received his prison sentence.
January 25, 2027: Jury trials for Da'Von Bynum and Dejuan Martin are scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the rigorous sentencing guidelines established by the Indiana Department of Correction for violent felonies. It reflects an ongoing effort by the local judiciary to address escalating gun violence through lengthy terms of incarceration for conspiracy participants.
The resolution of this case provides clarity to residents regarding the progress of investigations into violence on the near northwest side. Public safety remains a priority as the legal system proceeds with scheduled trials for the remaining co-defendants.
The takeaway
This lengthy sentence highlights the severe legal consequences for conspiracy to commit murder in Indiana, even when a defendant is not the sole actor. Families seeking closure in similar cases must often wait through years of staggered trial dates for multiple defendants.
What happens next
The jury trials for co-defendants Da'Von Bynum and Dejuan Martin are set to commence on January 25, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the region, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox 59.
