Evansville felon linked to fatal highway 41 crash sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for possessing 41 firearms (DOJ)

EVANSVILLE- Brandon D. McKinney, 31, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, in December 2024, detectives with the Evansville Police Department learned that convicted felon Brandon McKinney was in possession of multiple firearms and illegal drugs inside his Evansville home.

On January 28, 2025, officers began surveillance of the residence. During that surveillance, detectives observed two individuals enter McKinney's home and leave a short time later in a blue Chevy Blazer, behavior consistent with a potential drug transaction. Officers attempted a traffic stop on the Blazer, but the driver fled. The vehicle ultimately crashed, killing both the driver and the front-seat passenger. The crash shut down Highway 41 for nearly two hours while officers conducted their investigation. Investigators recovered marijuana and 1.9 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle.

After the two individuals left McKinney's home, detectives observed McKinney place a small object in his backyard and cover it with a jacket before leaving the residence. Officers took McKinney into custody as he departed.

Detectives then executed a search warrant at McKinney's home. Inside, they recovered 41 firearms-two of which were reported stolen-390 grams of marijuana, 54.7 grams of methamphetamine, $2,686 in cash, two sets of body armor, approximately 3,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, and multiple high-capacity magazines.

McKinney has prior felony convictions in Indiana, including burglary with a deadly weapon in Warrick County and felony domestic battery in Vanderburgh County.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. McKinney's actions and our commitment to keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons," said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "The large cache of weapons and drugs recovered in this case posed a significant threat to the Evansville community, and today's outcome helps ensure greater safety for everyone."

"While the circumstances surrounding Brandon McKinney's arrest are deeply tragic and troubling, this 13-year federal sentence reflects the seriousness of the harm caused and helps protect our community from the dangers associated with illegal drugs and firearms. Our thoughts remain with those impacted by his actions. ATF remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to prevent violence, disrupt the illegal drug trade, and help create safer, healthier neighborhoods for everyone," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Kemper, who prosecuted this case.