Veronica Gatewood’s last conversation with her son, Timothy Brown Jr., was filled with love. He said, “I love you, Momma,” and she replied, “I love you.” That was their final exchange.
The next day, Veronica tried to reach him again, leaving a voicemail to express her love, a regular practice between them.
Tragically, Timothy Brown Jr. became a victim of gun violence in Indianapolis, losing his life a few hours after his mother’s call. The 37-year-old was one of six individuals shot at a bar in Broad Ripple early Saturday morning. While the others survived, Timothy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, leaving behind his parents, a younger brother, and a 5-year-old daughter.
Veronica Gatewood is struggling to make sense of the incident.
The shooting at Landsharks bar in Broad Ripple resulted in one fatality and five injuries.
Timothy was not someone who sought trouble. He was a college graduate with degrees in graphic design and fitness, a graphic designer, wrestling coach, MMA fighter, mentor, man of faith, and a barber who sometimes offered free haircuts to children in need. He was known for his kindness, such as holding doors open for women, and he cherished every moment with his daughter.
Veronica Gatewood, through tears, expressed her disbelief that her son, a man of such character, could be taken so violently. She emphasized that he was a devoted father who did not deserve this fate.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of 25-year-old Nicholas Fulk in connection with the shooting, facing a preliminary charge of murder.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office had yet to officially release Timothy Brown Jr.’s name, but his family and friends have been vocal in their grief.
The circumstances leading to the shooting inside Landsharks bar remain unclear, including how an armed individual was able to enter the premises.
IMPD Police Chief Chris Bailey highlighted that while the police department cannot dictate security measures for businesses, establishments in Broad Ripple must ensure the safety of their patrons. He stated that bars failing to do so should face consequences.
Jordan Dillon from the Broad Ripple Village Association mentioned that several bars in the area use metal detecting wands, though it’s unclear what safety protocols were in place at Landsharks.
Veronica Gatewood, whose son was working as a bartender and bouncer that night, is left with unanswered questions about the incident, particularly how a firearm was brought into the venue and why her son had to die, leaving behind a young daughter.
Following a deadly shooting last summer, some Broad Ripple bar owners decided to close their establishments two hours early temporarily. Around the same time, the Broad Ripple Village Association sought a gun-free zone designation for weekends.
Timothy Brown Jr. started wrestling in ninth grade and was remembered as a gentle soul who used combat sports to mentor young people from diverse backgrounds.
Nick Hull, a close friend of Timothy’s who runs a wrestling program, praised him for his significant impact on inner-city youth and those from single-parent homes.
The wrestling community quickly learned of Timothy’s death, leading to an outpouring of tributes on social media.
Charnise Butler Kerns shared her difficulty in explaining Timothy’s passing to her children, highlighting his kind and mild-mannered nature.
Nick Hull will remember Timothy for his pure soul, willingness to help, and the love he had for his daughter, describing him as an exceptional father.
This story was contributed to by IndyStar reporter Rory Appleton. For more information, contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips.