Evansville, IN— A 51-year-old Evansville man was sentenced to 200 months, or 16 and a half years, in federal prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. The conviction stems from a shooting that occurred in August 2023, in which Ronald Jeremy McCallister shot a woman during a violent altercation at his home.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), McCallister, who has a lengthy criminal history, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release following his prison term. The case highlights both the dangers of domestic violence and the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting armed domestic abusers.
On the evening of August 23, 2023, Evansville Police Department (EPD) officers responded to a call reporting gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered a woman who had been shot. The woman later told police that she had visited McCallister’s residence after he sent her suicidal messages, offering to help him.
However, what was intended as a supportive conversation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. According to the victim, McCallister pulled out a firearm during the argument and placed it next to her head. He then allegedly fired a shot next to her face before shooting her in the foot.
McCallister’s criminal history includes felony convictions for domestic battery, robbery resulting in bodily injury, battery by means of a deadly weapon, and armed robbery. Despite his extensive criminal record, he was found to be in possession of a firearm at the time of the shooting, violating federal law that prohibits convicted felons from owning firearms.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, commented on the case, emphasizing the federal government’s priority in prosecuting those involved in domestic violence and illegal firearm possession. “We have prioritized federal prosecution of armed domestic abusers because of the extreme danger they pose to those in their homes and the public at large,” Myers said in a statement.
He continued, “The victim in this case will be protected from her abuser for many years, because of the excellent work of EPD, the ATF, and our federal prosecutor. This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who is involved in domestic violence and illegally armed: get rid of the guns or risk a long term in federal prison.”
The victim in this case is expected to recover from her injuries, though the emotional and psychological toll of the incident is likely to last far longer. McCallister’s conviction and sentencing are seen as a step toward holding violent offenders accountable, particularly those who use firearms to escalate domestic disputes.
The case was investigated by the Evansville Police Department (EPD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to reduce gun violence and protect vulnerable individuals from domestic abuse.
