Authorities say a 31-year-old Carmel man was arrested on a preliminary murder charge.
FISHERS, Ind. — The Hamilton County coroner on Monday identified the man killed in a predawn shooting at Britton Tavern as Justin Burton, 30, of Noblesville. Fishers police said officers arrested 31-year-old Maclean Murt of Carmel after the gunfire, which was reported about 2:45 a.m. inside the bar off State Road 37.
The killing jolted a suburb that rarely sees deadly violence in nightlife settings. Police said detectives are reviewing security video and interviewing patrons who were inside when shots were fired. The arrest moved the case quickly to prosecutors for charging review. As of late Monday, investigators had not released a motive or said whether the men knew each other. The bar, near East 141st Street, remained an active crime scene through the morning as patrons who fled during the panic trickled back to speak with detectives.
Police said the first 911 call came just before 2:45 a.m. Officers arrived within minutes, found Burton suffering from gunshot wounds and began CPR while medics staged outside. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered. Officers detained Murt at the location and transported him for questioning. “We are still piecing together the sequence of events,” a department spokesperson said. The coroner’s office said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
Witnesses described a brief, chaotic scene as music cut out and staff shouted for people to get down. One friend of Burton said he had celebrated his 30th birthday recently and called him “a great friend with a warming smile.” A rideshare driver waiting nearby said he saw at least six police vehicles arrive within minutes. Employees guided patrons out in small groups as officers taped off the entrance and a section of the parking lot. No additional injuries were reported.
Fishers, a city just northeast of Indianapolis, has promoted its downtown entertainment district with late-night dining and sports bars. Monday’s shooting was the second major gun incident reported in the area over the weekend, according to local news accounts, though officials emphasized that investigators are treating the cases separately. Violent crime in Fishers remains comparatively low, and fatal shootings inside bars are rare. The Britton Tavern, a longtime sports bar, typically stays open past midnight for games and live music.
Police said the case file would be forwarded to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges and a probable cause review. An initial hearing date had not been set Monday night. Detectives asked anyone who left before speaking with officers to contact the criminal investigations division; they are especially interested in video recorded inside the bar around 2:30–3 a.m. The bar’s management did not immediately respond to a request for comment about operating hours this week while the investigation continues.
By evening, a small cluster of candles and flowers rested near the front door as workers swept glass from the floor. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Denise Morales, who said she brings her family for weekend lunches. “We don’t expect to see this here.” Police said further updates would come once the prosecutor makes a charging decision and the court schedules an initial appearance.
As of late Monday, Murt remained under arrest on a preliminary murder count as detectives continued interviews and processed evidence from inside the tavern. The next public update is expected after charging documents are filed.
Author note: Last updated December 2, 2025.