Indy man sentenced to 55 years for fatal robbery in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – An Indianapolis man was sentenced Thursday to 55 years in prison for a deadly robbery in March 2021, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced Thursday that Tremayne Hobson Jr. has been sentenced to 52 years in prison followed by three years of work release for his role in a fatal robbery that resulted in the death of Dusty Lawrence. In September, Hobson was convicted of murder and robbery occasioning grievous bodily harm (Level 2 Felony).

Demetrius Coakley was also charged for his role in this crime. Earlier this month, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery causing serious bodily harm (level 2 felony).

On the afternoon of March 28, 2021, Lawrence, his wife and their 5-year-old Anderson daughter traveled to a residence in the 3600 block of Newcastle Drive to exchange a firearm with someone he had been communicating with via Discord, a social media app.

Prior to the incident, Lawrence had been in contact with Coakley to arrange trading near Hobson’s home on the far east side.

After parking near the home, three individuals approached Lawrence’s vehicle. According to Lawrence’s wife, Lawrence left the vehicle with his firearm case to begin trading. Shortly afterwards shots were fired.

After Lawrence’s wife discovered her husband had been shot, she helped him into the passenger seat. Before leaving the scene, she placed a firearm case and its contents into the vehicle.

Lawrence’s wife and neighbors were able to provide a description of the three suspects and their immediate movements after the shooting occurred. Through clues, detectives were able to locate Hobson’s mother who lived on the same block where the crime occurred.

During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Hobson’s residence and found clothing that matched one of the individuals present at the time of the fatal robbery.

After searching Lawrence’s vehicle, investigators found a gun case and a damaged pink firearm that did not belong to Lawrence. This firearm was not involved in the trade negotiations prior to the murder.

Investigators later learned that the defendants intended to present a firearm inconsistent with the agreed upon trade. Prosecutors believe the damaged pink firearm in Lawrence’s vehicle was that firearm.

It was during that bait-and-switch transaction that Lawrence was robbed and ultimately shot and killed.

“This tragedy should never have happened. There are laws that can be put in place to increase security during gun sales and transactions. Mr. Lawrence was a beloved father and husband known for his fun, loving personality. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones as this difficult chapter comes to an end.”

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears