**Teen Lures Man on Date, Watches Boyfriend Kill Him: Indianapolis Police Report**

In a harrowing incident that has left a community seeking justice, Jerel Prior, a 26-year-old father, was shot and killed during what was believed to be a date with a woman he met online. Authorities in Indianapolis have revealed that the encounter was allegedly a deadly setup orchestrated by Prior’s date, 19-year-old Alexis Hawkins, and her boyfriend, 18-year-old Brian Winston Jr.

The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of January 2025. According to court documents, Prior had messaged Hawkins with a simple inquiry about her availability, leading to an arrangement for a date. Unbeknownst to him, Hawkins was simultaneously coordinating with Winston, devising a plan that would turn the evening into a violent robbery.

On the night of the incident, Prior and Hawkins met in his car, where, shortly before 1:00 a.m., Winston allegedly appeared and opened fire, fatally wounding Prior. The young father, who was affectionately known as a “girl dad,” has left behind a two-year-old daughter who will grow up without her father.

As detectives launched their investigation, they uncovered a series of incriminating messages exchanged between Hawkins and Prior, as well as Hawkins’s communications with Winston. Authorities obtained a warrant to search Hawkins’s Instagram account, revealing alarming queries related to local news and potential shootings made on the day of the murder. Additionally, Hawkins had allegedly reached out to multiple people seeking a ride near the shooting location around the time of the incident.

When questioned by law enforcement, Hawkins reportedly claimed a lack of memory regarding the events of that night and denied having any involvement. However, she abruptly requested a lawyer when confronted about a message in which she indicated her intention to “make a play.” Subsequently, both Hawkins and Winston were arrested and charged with murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury.

Jerel Prior’s family is now left grappling with the aftermath of their loss. His mother, Tamika Wy, expressed her devastation, stating, “I’m broken inside.” This emotional turmoil was further compounded as the family recently celebrated the third birthday of Prior’s daughter, a milestone that should have been filled with joy but was instead marked by his absence.

As the legal proceedings begin, the case raises numerous questions regarding the potential outcomes in court. Legal expert Andy Baldwin discussed the complexities involved, noting that both defendants could face significant sentences if convicted. Each is facing charges that could lead to a mandatory minimum of 45 years in prison under Indiana law, with implications for their futures as young adults.

The case highlights the impact of digital evidence, as Hawkins and Winston’s communications could prove crucial in determining their guilt or innocence. Investigators will rely heavily on the text messages and digital footprints left by the two individuals in the lead-up to the murder.

As the community mourns the loss of a young father, the pursuit of justice for Jerel Prior continues, with both Hawkins and Winston being held without bond at the Marion County Jail. The legal proceedings will be closely monitored, as the tragic circumstances surrounding this case unfold further.