Plainfield man pleads guilty to killing 77-year-old woman who let him stay in her home

Zakii Dawson, 20, expected to receive 45-year prison sentence for murder of Mary Sims in Indianapolis mobile home community

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A 20-year-old Plainfield man has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the 2024 murder of a 77-year-old woman who had let him stay in her home to 'help him get back on his feet.' Zakii Dawson is expected to receive a 45-year prison sentence for killing Mary Sims, whom he handcuffed, wrapped in plastic, and killed inside her Indianapolis mobile home. Dawson had been removed from Sims' home the night before the murder after a disturbance, but later returned and committed the crime.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks and challenges of trying to help someone in need, as well as the importance of mental health resources and support for young offenders. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

The details

According to prosecutors, on the night before the murder, Dawson was removed from Sims' home after a disturbance in which he destroyed property and assaulted Sims. However, he later returned to the home, handcuffed Sims, wrapped her head in plastic, and killed her. Police found Sims dead on the floor of a bathroom, and Dawson was discovered hiding behind a door. Dawson admitted to the crime and had injuries to his hands and blood on his clothing.

  • On January 12, 2024, police were called to the home in the 2900 block of Landola Lane around 5:30 p.m.
  • The night before the murder, Dawson was removed from the residence and told not to return after a disturbance.
  • Dawson will be sentenced on March 4, 2026, just 10 days after his 21st birthday.

The players

Zakii Dawson

A 20-year-old Plainfield man who pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the murder of Mary Sims, a 77-year-old woman who had let him stay in her home.

Mary Sims

A 77-year-old woman who had let Dawson stay in her home 'to help him get back on his feet.'

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears

Highlighted the kindness Sims had shown Dawson before her death, saying 'It takes a special kind of person to open their home to someone in a time of need. Mary and her family should be remembered as good, kind people who did not deserve this unimaginable tragedy.'

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What they’re saying

“It takes a special kind of person to open their home to someone in a time of need. Mary and her family should be remembered as good, kind people who did not deserve this unimaginable tragedy.”

— Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears (WISH-TV)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 4, 2026 whether to sentence Zakii Dawson to 45 years in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the risks and challenges of trying to help someone in need, as well as the importance of providing adequate mental health resources and support for young offenders to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.