Man who ‘stalked,’ killed stranger in Muncie Walmart parking sentenced to 70 years

MUNCIE, Ind. – A judge sentenced a Muncie man who “stalked” and killed a stranger in a Walmart parking lot to 70 years in prison.

In April, 34-year-old Tyler Abrams pleaded guilty but mentally in connection with the July 2022 incident. The sentence includes 60 years for murder plus a 10-year firearms enhancement.

Police said 34-year-old Samuel L. Gillum of Eaton had just left Walmart, 4801 W. Clara Lane, with his wife and was pushing a cart to their car when Abrams walked up and shot him. Abrams then ran off; surveillance video and eyewitness accounts helped police track him down.

Abrams, who was found hiding near a residence on Nebo Road about 30 minutes after the shooting, surrendered as soon as he saw police, telling them, “I give up. I’m turning myself in,” according to court documents.

Gillum was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital where he died from his wounds.

The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office noted that Abrams “stalked and then executed the victim within arm’s reach of the victim’s two children.”

“We as a society are much safer with Tyler Abrams behind bars,” said Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman in a statement.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed charges of criminal recklessness, obstruction of justice and pointing a firearm against Abrams.

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