INDIANAPOLIS – A man convicted of killing a Dutch soldier has learned his punishment. On February 24, 2025, Shamar Duncan was sentenced to 105 years in prison for the murder of Simmie Poetsema, who was shot and killed outside the Hampton Inn during the early morning hours of August 27, 2022. A Marion County judge ordered Duncan to serve 60 years for murder, 35 years for attempted murder, and 10 years for aggravated battery, all to be served consecutively.
The tragic incident occurred when Poetsema, 26, and two fellow soldiers were trying to enjoy their time off after training at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. An altercation began when Duncan and his brothers approached the three soldiers, reportedly seeking trouble after being denied entry to several locations. Eyewitness accounts reveal tensions escalated quickly after Duncan's brother was punched by one of the soldiers. Witnesses saw Duncan fire multiple rounds from their parked pickup truck as they drove by the group, leading to Poetsema's fatal injuries and wounding two others.
Victim impact statements were delivered during the sentencing hearing, where Poetsema's family members spoke about their loss. His mother told the court, "Words cannot express how much I miss my son," illustrating the deep sorrow felt by the family. Meanwhile, one friend spoke about Poetsema's heroic role during the Afghan evacuation efforts, calling his death “senseless.”
Duncan's actions were framed as aggravated by the fact he fired indiscriminately onto a busy street out of anger. During the trial, he claimed he did not intend to kill anyone but rather fired shots from frustration and pain. “I just spazzed,” Duncan told police after the shooting. Yet, he still faced the gravity of his actions when the jury convicted him on all counts.
The post-incident scene was chaotic, littered with shell casings and broken glass, as police arrived shortly after the shooting. Emergency responders found blood-soaked clothing and towels, corroborated by what witnesses reported seeing moments before the shooting began.
Out of the three soldiers, Poetsema was struck by the bullet and suffered severe injuries leading to his death shortly thereafter. His colleagues fortunately survived their wounds but faced life-altering injuries. The emotional testimonies from fellow service members spoke to the bond shared among soldiers and the tragedy of losing one of their own.
At the end of the day, the courtroom saw Duncan express remorse for his actions when he stated, "I was wrong. I’m very sorry. I made a tragic mistake." His apologies to both the families of the victims and his own family placed him at the center of this harrowing tale of violence.
The court also underscored the loss and suffering inflicted on the Poetsema family, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of Duncan's actions. "The murder was pure evil," one of Poetsema's commanding officers stated, reinforcing the weight of Duncan's crime and its impact on the two other soldiers who were injured during the shooting.
Duncan's sentencing not only marks the closure of this case but echoes the senselessness of street violence and its far-reaching consequences on families and communities. The courtroom filled with emotions demonstrated the high stakes of violence and the loss of life through circumstances such as these.
While Duncan will spend the next 105 years behind bars, the memories of Simmie Poetsema and his service to his country linger on as poignant reminders of the tragedy's depth. It leaves one to wonder; how many more lives will be affected by similar acts of rage?