Fatal Sweetser Avenue Home Invasion in Evansville Leads to Felony Murder Charges and Drug Arrests

EVANSVILLE, IN — What began as a reported home invasion on Sweetser Avenue has resulted in the death of one suspect, felony murder charges for two others, and drug-related arrests for the residents of the targeted home. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The Botched Burglary and Fatal Shooting

According to the Evansville Police Department, three armed individuals forced their way into a home in the 3000 block of Sweetser Avenue. During the confrontation, the resident, 22-year-old Cameron Thomas, shot one of the intruders in self-defense. The deceased intruder was later identified by the Vanderburgh County Coroner as 22-year-old Mehki Anthony Maxwell. The other two intruders fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Under Indiana's Castle Doctrine, Cameron Thomas is not expected to face charges for the shooting death of Maxwell, as he was defending his home against armed intruders.

Accomplices Charged with Felony Murder

Following a rapid investigation, police identified and arrested the two accomplices who fled the scene: 22-year-old Klifton Carter and 21-year-old Jaylen Drone. Under Indiana law, if a death occurs during the commission of a felony—such as a residential burglary—accomplices can be held criminally responsible. As a result, both Carter and Drone have been charged with felony murder and burglary.

Search Warrant Uncovers Narcotics Operation

While investigating the home invasion, detectives executed search warrants at the Sweetser Avenue residence. During the search, officers uncovered significant evidence of narcotics trafficking. Consequently, Cameron Thomas and his brother, Christian Thomas, were arrested and booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on multiple drug-related charges. Police emphasized that the narcotics charges, while discovered during the investigation, are separate from the initial home invasion incident.