EVANSVILLE, IN — The community of Evansville is grappling with shock and sorrow following the conviction of 16-year-old Isam Rodell Clark for the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Dalton Collins. Clark was found guilty on November 3, 2025, for his role in the deadly altercation that occurred on March 22, 2025, during a pre-planned drug robbery.
A jury convicted Clark of murder and two counts of attempted robbery resulting in serious bodily injury after the shooting unfolded at the 2800 block of Lodge Avenue. According to court records, Collins and his friend, Zachary Kiper, had arrived at the location for a marijuana sale arranged by their acquaintance, Ethan Baughn. As they sat in the vehicle, two assailants in black approached. While the first assailant stalled, Clark opened fire, shooting Collins in the back. Kiper returned fire in self-defense, but the violence escalated quickly.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Collins succumbed to his injuries, while Kiper was wounded in the arm. The second assailant, later identified as Derrick Brifil, was also injured in the exchange. Brifil, a co-defendant in the case, was hit in the abdomen.
Investigation Reveals Conspiracy Among Defendants
The shooting was revealed to be part of a scheme hatched by Clark, Brifil, and Baughn, who had all been previously detained together in a juvenile facility. Prosecutors argued that this shared history formed the basis of their association and criminal conspiracy. Lacking the money to afford drugs themselves, the trio devised a plan to rob the sellers during the transaction.
A key piece of evidence in the investigation was Brifil’s car, which was found parked outside Clark’s home. Ammunition and shell casings that matched those found at the crime scene were later recovered from a trash bag outside Clark’s home, along with Clark’s wet clothes, which appeared to have been hastily cleaned.
Forensic Evidence and Testimony from Co-Defendants
During the trial, Zachary Kiper, Derrick Brifil, and Ethan Baughn all testified for the state, confirming Clark’s involvement as the shooter. Their testimony, combined with communications before and after the incident, reinforced the premeditated nature of the attack. The physical evidence—matching shell casings and discarded clothes—formed a crucial part of the prosecution’s case.
Accountability and the Growing Concern of Juvenile Gun Violence
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers emphasized the importance of holding Clark accountable, despite his youth. “This was a deliberate, planned act with little regard for human life,” she said, adding that it reflected the troubling rise in juvenile gun violence. Moers pointed to the influence of social media and the glorification of firearms among teens as factors contributing to this dangerous trend.
As Clark faces sentencing, which is scheduled for December 4, 2025, he could face a sentence of 45 to 65 years for the murder charge, along with 10 to 30 years for each attempted robbery charge. Judge Ryan D. Hatfield will oversee the sentencing in Vanderburgh County Circuit Court.
Impact on the Community and Law Enforcement Reflection
This case has sent shockwaves through the Evansville community, with law enforcement officials expressing growing concern about the culture of gun violence among local youth. A spokesperson for the Evansville Police Department reminded the community that young people have value and potential, urging them to seek help before resorting to violence.
“This tragedy underscores the devastating consequences when young lives choose violence and weapons instead of alternatives,” the spokesperson said.
A Stark Reminder of the Consequences of Youthful Violence
The conviction of Isam Rodell Clark serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a life can be shattered when young people turn to guns and violence. It’s a tragic case of how a senseless plan can escalate, and the consequences of ignoring the steps needed to prevent such tragedies. As the investigation continues, the community is left to reflect on the loss of a young life and the lasting impact of gun violence.