Louisville murder suspect barred by judge from having guns, contacting victim's family

Mar 17, 2025
Mar 17, 2025 Updated Mar 17, 2025

Louisville's Smoketown murder suspect pleads not guilty

Dakari McDonald, 25, was arrested Saturday after a six-hour standoff with LMPD SWAT officers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The man charged with murder after fatal shooting Saturday in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood was barred Monday from having guns or contacting the victim's family.

Police arrested Dakari McDonald, 25, a man in connection to a fatal shooting of 70-year-old Michael Evans, who was shot and killed on South Preston Street.

An investigation revealed McDonald entered a home in the 900 block of South Preston Street. LMPD said officers secured that home and asked LMPD's SWAT team for support.

The SWAT standoff ended after nearly six hours when officers said McDonald was taken to the hospital.

McDonald pleaded not guilty in court Monday. He's charged with murder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.

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