Two Arrested Facing Felony Murder Charges in Deadly Evansville Home Invasion

In Evansville, Indiana, a deadly home invasion on Sweetser Avenue resulted in the shooting death of 22-year-old Mekhi Anthony Maxwell, who was one of three armed suspects breaking into a residence. Resident Cameron Thomas, who lived in the home, fatally shot Maxwell in what police have described as self-defense; Cameron and his brother Christian were later arrested on marijuana dealing charges unrelated to the shooting. Two other suspects, 21-year-old Jaylen Micah Drone and 22-year-old Klifton Charles Carter, were involved in the break-in and now face felony murder and burglary charges under Indiana's felony murder statute, which holds them responsible for Maxwell's death during the commission of a felony, despite not firing the shot themselves. Drone was arrested and booked into jail, while Carter remains at large with a murder warrant issued for his arrest. Investigations included police obtaining security footage, DNA evidence, and witness tips to link Drone and Carter to the crime. Police continue to seek Carter and have not charged the resident who shot Maxwell, affirming the shooting was an act of self-defense.