Fishers, Indiana – A late-night confrontation inside a popular tavern turned deadly after police say a man in a wheelchair shot another patron in the head during an argument over a vape. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Justin Burton, had celebrated his birthday just hours before the fatal encounter.
According to investigators and charging documents, 31-year-old Maclean Murt has been arrested and charged with murder and armed robbery following the early-morning shooting inside Britton Tavern, a well-known bar in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
Deadly Altercation Near Closing Time
The incident unfolded just before 3 a.m. Monday as the tavern was preparing to close. Police say Murt noticed his friend arguing with Burton near the restroom area, claiming Burton had stolen the friend’s vape. Witnesses reported that Murt rolled his wheelchair toward the confrontation and began engaging with the victim.
According to court records referenced by local outlets, the altercation escalated within moments. While Murt later claimed Burton pushed him and caused him to fall backward—accidentally firing a round—surveillance footage reportedly told a different story.
What Surveillance Footage Allegedly Showed
Investigators reviewing the tavern’s cameras noted that Murt appeared to grab and yank Burton’s arm, which caused Murt to fall out of his wheelchair. As he fell, he allegedly drew a firearm and shot Burton in the head at close range.
A bouncer who witnessed the aftermath reportedly told Murt, “You just killed him.” Court documents say a witness exiting the bathroom saw Burton “with his head open,” and heard Murt tell the bouncer he shot the victim because “he stole the vape.”
Police Response and Suspect’s Statements
Fishers Police officers responded around 2:45 a.m. Medics attempted lifesaving measures, but Burton was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries consistent with a single gunshot wound.
Despite the chaos, Murt remained inside the bar as officers arrived. “I’m sorry about this,” he allegedly told police before being taken into custody. While alone in an interview room at headquarters, investigators say he was heard saying, “You could have just gave the vape up, dude, and none of this would have happened.”
During evidence collection inside the tavern, a woman identifying herself as Murt’s sister was found holding the vape device that reportedly started the dispute. “I’m just in shock,” she told officers. “Because my brother just shot somebody.”
Victim Had Recently Celebrated His Birthday
A GoFundMe organized for Burton’s family noted that he had turned 30 years old only hours before he was killed. The fundraiser, set up by Burton’s former swimming coach, described him as outgoing, funny, and full of life. “He was a victim of gun violence,” the statement read. “His personality was large. He was going to go places.”
Legal Proceedings Moving Forward
Murt is currently being held in the Hamilton County Jail and appeared in court for an initial hearing scheduled for Friday. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue reviewing surveillance video and interviewing additional witnesses from the crowded late-night bar scene.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The deadly shooting has sparked renewed conversations around bar safety, conflict escalation, and gun violence in late-night settings. Authorities urge residents to prioritize de-escalation in tense public situations and to report potentially volatile disputes to staff or law enforcement before they turn violent.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to bar safety and community violence prevention in the comments below.
