Family argument led to one cousin killing another, court docs allege

INDIANAPOLIS — A family argument turned fatal on Dec. 28, 2022 when one cousin shot another outside a northeast Indianapolis apartment.

Joshua Hopson, 31, died around 3 a.m. after being shot by his cousin in the 3400 block of Alsuda Court, according to court documents.

His cousin, 38-year-old Emmanuel “Manny” Newman, was arrested a week later in connection with the homicide.

According to court documents, the two were drinking and hanging out in an apartment on Alsuda Court before an argument ensued.

To deescalate the situation, Hopson’s girlfriend drove Newman away from the apartment around 2 a.m., according to court documents. Upon return to Alsuda Court, Hopsons’s girlfriend said the two were arguing over the phone.

The phone call ended when Newman said he was coming back to the apartment to kill Hopson, according to the probable cause affidavit for Newman’s arrest.

When Newman arrived, Hopson walked out of the apartment where surveillance video captured Newman shooting Hopson near his Cadillac, according to court documents.

Newman’s was located at a residence in Beech Grove and taken into custody, according to police.

Hopson was found guilty of Murder in August 2024 and on Sept. 25, 2024, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

“Gun violence among family members is becoming more prevalent,” stated Prosecutor Mears. “This sentence demonstrates our commitment to holding individuals accountable who resort to senseless violence to solve a conflict. Our thoughts remain with the family as they move forward from this unthinkable tragedy.”