Indianapolis chef’s murder results in 70-year prison sentence for killer

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A 40-year-old Indianapolis was sentenced Thursday to 70-year in prison for the murder of a barbecue restaurant owner in August 2024.

A jury in March convicted Justin J. Jones for the murder of chef George Nelson Sr., 54, owner and operator of Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ at 2621 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.

Nelson had been featured in October 2024 on the Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” At the restaurant, a sign on the door reads “Goon With a Spoon,” known to customers as Nelson’s trademark.

The killing that stemmed from a financial dispute, said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears in a news release issued Thursday.

Jones received a 60-year sentence for the murder charge, with an additional 10 years for a felony firearms sentencing enhancement.

Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were called shortly before midnight the Aug. 21, 2024, to restaurant and arrived to find Nelson suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to Nelson’s wife, Jones had been hired to install exterior siding on the restaurant. The agreement stipulated a half-payment upfront and the remainder due upon completion.

On the night of the shooting, Jones approached Nelson, demanding the remaining payment despite the job being incomplete. A verbal argument ensued before Jones pulled out a firearm and shot Nelson, then fled the scene. Nelson’s wife and son witnessed the shooting.

Officers located Jones and two other people in a vehicle that witnesses saw Jones enter after the shooting. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

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