In a case that has caught the attention of the Indianapolis community, Devin Powell, age 24, has been sentenced to 55 years after pleading guilty to the murder of Lyft driver Anthony Garland in June of 2022. Powell, who committed the murder, subsequently stole Garland's vehicle to attend a family gathering, FOX 59 reported.
The conviction handed down by Judge Angela Dow Davis of Marion Superior Court 27 includes the possibility of a sentence modification after 50 years, as noted in the court documents obtained by WISHTV.
Investigators pieced the case together after Powell's Lyft record linked him to the vehicle around the time of Garland's murder, and blood stains were observed on the center console when police located the car. Powell initially denied ordering a Lyft that evening, however, was confronted by law enforcement with evidence contradicting his claim, WTHR reported. The case, as summarized in court by deputy prosecutor John Molloy, revealed that the last account requesting a Lyft from Garland was indeed linked to Powell.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears underscored the loss felt by the community stating, "Mr. Garland was a young father and husband, simply trying to take care for his family." Garland, also known for his role as a youth sports coach, left behind a wife and now-13-year-old son. "Mr. Garland was also a youth sports coach, and his loss has been felt many in his community," Mears said, expressing relief at securing justice for Garland's loved ones, as reported by FOX 59.
The tragedy deepened as court details revealed that a semi-automatic pistol and both Garland's and Powell's wallets were found in the stolen vehicle. During Powell's guilty plea, he admitted to Judge Davis that he shot Garland multiple times. With Garland's family and friends present, the courtroom was filled with a solemn sense of justice, as reported by WTHR.
