Minor family reacts to non-guilty verdict in Madisonville murder trial

MADISONVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — The parents of a man killed in a shooting last year are speaking out after the alleged shooter was found not guilty of their son’s murder. Raleigh Lamar was acquitted last week in the 2023 shooting death of Terrence Minor Jr. at a Madisonville apartment complex.

“It just hurts. We should be seeing two young African American men getting ready to get married or start a family. But we have one in jail and one in the cemetery. This is tragic,” says Minor’s dad, Terrance Minor Sr.

Hopkins County Commonwealth Attorney Kathy Senter says the verdict was based on a self-defense argument. The jury deliberated for about 40 minutes. The trial lasted three days, and Minor’s family says it was not enough time for the jury to get the full picture.

“Terrence was really disgraced. Some truth and some lies. But the whole story was not told. Terrance was a good kid, but he did have his flaws,” Minor’s dad says.

According to police, Minor and Lamar were entangled by a woman. Police say Minor came to speak with the mother of his child, his ex-girlfriend, who was now dating Lamar, at Cross Creek Apartments in February of 2023. Minor’s father says his son was trying to deliver diapers when he was shot in the chest. Minor’s father says his son did not know Lamar, and adds Lamar’s self-defense argument was unfair.

“From what they say, he was scared. And of course, it was asked why did you have a gun. And the answer was this – it is just what we do. He claimed self-defense so he wouldn’t have to go spend the rest of his life or some of his life in the Kentucky State Penitentiary. What bothers me the most about this whole deal is that these people that murdered Terrence have no compassion and they have no remorse,” Minor’s dad says.

Although the verdict is not what Minor’s parents wanted, they hope it raises awareness about gun violence.

“I can’t let it destroy me. I can’t do that. We just got to keep on. We have to move forward. Keep telling young people you don’t have to do the things that the world is asking you to do. We have got to teach them that guns are not the answer,” the parents say.

Eyewitness News reached out to Lamar’s attorney for comment and has not heard back. Lamar also faced a charge of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, which the prosecutor says could not be a part of this trial. After the verdict, Lamar pleaded guilty to the weapons charge. His sentencing is scheduled for August 19th.

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