INDIANAPOLIS —The man convicted of killing George Nelson Sr., owner of one of Indy's most beloved restaurants Pa and Ma's Backyard BBQ will spend 70 years behind bars.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced on Thursday Justin Jones was sentenced to 60 years for the murder plus an additional 10 years for the felony firearms sentencing enhancement.
Jones was found guilty of Murder and a Felony Firearm Sentencing Enhancement after a four-day trial in March.
“George Nelson Sr. served his community through his food,” Mears said on the release. “To George, it was never just about the food — it was about the people. Even after justice has been served, we will continue to honor his legacy, which will not be defined by his death, but by how he lived.”
On Aug. 21, 2024, IMPD officers were called to the 2600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and found Nelson suffering from gunshot wounds. His wife Monica, and their son witnessed the shooting.
According to court documents, Jones had been hired to install exterior siding on the restaurant, half payment up front and the rest due upon completion. That night, Jones demanded the remaining payment despite the job being unfinished. An argument followed. And court documents say Jones pulled out a gun, shot Nelson and fled.
Hours later, officers responded to a shots fired call and found Jones inside a vehicle witnesses saw him enter after the shooting. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle.
Nelson built Pa and Ma's from the ground up, starting in 1995 with just $175 and a vision. The restaurant became a staple on Indianapolis' northwest side, known as much for its community as its food.
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Just weeks after Nelson's death, Pa and Ma's was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri, an episode filmed before his passing.
The day after his death, his family opened the restaurant anyway, a tribute to the man he was.
"To George, it was never just about the food — it was about the people," Mears said. "His legacy will not be defined by his death, but by how he lived."
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