15-Year-Old Sentenced to 100 Years for Fatal Indiana Nightclub Shooting

A 15-year-old boy in Indiana has been sentenced to 100 years in prison after being convicted in connection with a shooting that killed a 26-year-old woman and injured two other people.

Jo’Majze Larry, from Anderson, Indiana, was only 14 years old when the February 2, 2025 shooting occurred. Prosecutors said he was involved with the gang known as Mickey Cobra Nation (MCN) and that the shooting was a botched attempt to silence a witness to an earlier homicide.

Woman Killed in Botched Gang Hit

The victim, 26-year-old Dayla Swain, was reportedly not the intended target of the attack.

Prosecutors said Larry and co-defendant Rashawn Samuels were involved in a plan to target a witness connected to the 2023 killing of a 15-year-old during an alleged attempted armed robbery.

The planned attack took place outside Sonny Ray’s nightclub in Anderson in the early hours of February 2, 2025.

According to prosecutors, gunfire erupted during the attempted attack, with Swain caught in the crossfire.

Police arriving at the scene at around 3 a.m. found Swain suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. She was rushed to Community Hospital but later died from her injuries.

Surveillance footage also reportedly showed Swain’s legs being run over by a truck as the vehicle fled the scene during the shooting.

Another woman was reportedly wounded by gunfire, while a third woman was injured after being struck by a vehicle fleeing the area.

Teen Fled After Shooting

Following the incident, Larry reportedly fled Anderson and travelled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

His parents subsequently filed a missing-person report before Larry eventually turned himself in to police on March 2, 2025.

During the trial, prosecutors presented social media communications allegedly exchanged between Larry and Samuels on Instagram and Snapchat.

According to prosecutors, the messages included discussions about firearms, surveillance of the nightclub and ways to avoid being identified by security cameras.

Larry Convicted on Multiple Charges

In June 2026, a jury found Larry guilty of several offences connected to the shooting.

His convictions included:

• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Conspiracy to commit murder
• Criminal organisation activity
• Dangerous possession of a firearm

At sentencing, Judge David Happe imposed 50 years for the murder conviction, followed by an additional 50-year criminal organisation enhancement.

The combined sentence means Larry is set to serve 100 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

Co-Defendant Sentenced to 125 Years

Larry’s co-defendant, 19-year-old Rashawn Samuels, also received a lengthy prison sentence.

Samuels was sentenced to 125 years, consisting of 62½ years for Swain’s murder and another 62½ years under the criminal organisation enhancement.

Prosecutors argued that criminal organisations can pose an increased threat to public safety because they coordinate criminal activities, recruit participants and may commit offences to advance the organisation’s objectives.

100-Year Sentence Could Face Judicial Review

Although Larry received a century-long sentence, his age at the time of the offence means he has a potential avenue for judicial review under Indiana law.

Because he was under 18 when the crime occurred, state law allows him to petition the sentencing court for a review of his sentence after serving at least 20 years, without requiring the prosecutor’s consent.

However, the provision does not automatically reduce his sentence or guarantee his release after 20 years.

The prosecution can oppose the request, while victims and their families have the right to be notified and heard. The sentencing judge ultimately retains discretion over whether to modify the sentence.

The case has drawn attention to the severe consequences of gang-related violence and the legal complexities surrounding lengthy sentences imposed on juveniles convicted of serious crimes.