Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears on Thursday announced that Derek Oechsle was convicted of murder and criminal recklessness in the death of Christopher Smith.
RELATED | Beech Grove man charged in fatal gunfight
Authorities said Smith was at Jake's Pub, 1280 West Southport Road, celebrating his bachelor party with friends when Oechsle became visibly upset and got into a physical altercation with another person at the bar.
Witnesses told authorities Oechsle pulled out a gun and began hitting the other person when Smith tried to break up the fight. Oechsle then shot Smith and fired other shots into the crowd until one of Smith’s friends returned fire.
Smith was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. A sentencing hearing for Oechsle has been set for May 20 at 2 p.m.