Father and Son Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Indiana Football Star
Authorities allege a mistaken identity led to the drive-by killing of Christopher Wilson Jr., a highly recruited high school athlete.
A father and son have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Christopher Wilson Jr., a standout high school football player in Indiana, in what authorities are calling a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred earlier this month as Wilson and his girlfriend were returning from dinner.
Dairus E. Thompson III, 17, has been accused of firing the fatal shots, while his father, Dairus E. Thompson II, 40, allegedly provided instructions. Charging documents state that the elder Thompson had been involved in a dispute with an individual he believed to be Wilson, but who was actually a lookalike.
According to the documents, video evidence allegedly shows the father’s white GMC Acadia driving through the neighborhood before the shooting and speeding away afterward. Investigators reportedly found a video on Thompson II’s phone that appeared to be recorded from inside the vehicle, in which he can be heard giving “step-by-step instructions on how to conduct a drive-by shooting.”
Witnesses told police that Thompson II admitted Wilson’s death was a mistake and that he believed the victim was the person he had been feuding with. He allegedly told one witness he “let lil bros rockout,” which was interpreted as him allowing his son to carry out the shooting.
Investigators recovered the weapon used in the fatal shooting, which was ballistically matched to the crime. Both father and son are also accused of attempting to dispose of the firearm.
Thompson II was arrested last week and charged with inducing or causing murder. Thompson III was apprehended in Detroit and faces charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and obstruction of justice. He is awaiting extradition to Indiana.
Wilson, a senior at Yorktown High School, was an elite defensive end for the Yorktown Tigers and had committed to play for West Virginia University. He was also on track to graduate early in December. His obituary described him as a “gentle giant” who remained humble despite his athletic achievements, known for his kindness, determination, and the strong relationships he built within his community.