ANDERSON — Members of the family of an Anderson man who was slain in his home earlier this month are speaking out about what they call the false public perception surrounding the man and his death.

Andre Blackmon, 36, was found dead in his Anderson home on May 5 after suffering a single gunshot wound to the head.

When marijuana was found in Blackmon’s car and home, police released the information to the local media.

Blackmon’s brother, the Rev. James Dixon of Providence Christian Church in Indianapolis, said Blackmon was portrayed as a drug dealer, making it less likely that his family would see justice served.

“That perception leads people to care less about getting justice,” Dixon said. “A drug dealer dies and no one cares.

“Those that perpetrated this crime aren’t portrayed as murderers or criminals, but as if it’s vigilante justice.”

Blackmon’s family members maintain that he was not a drug dealer, but a well-respected member of the community, an accomplished martial artist, and a valued member of several local church organizations.

Revealing the real Blackmon, they said, will ensure that everyone who has information about the crime reports each detail to the police.

The community needs justice, Dixon said. “That’s not just one shot that ran through him,” he said. “It ran through our community.”

Blackmon was born and raised in Anderson and joined the Army in 1990. He served for four years before returning home to work in a mortgage company.

According to his mother, Elaine Blackmon, he then enrolled at Anderson University and majored in marketing for three years.

During this time, Blackmon became involved in the church community and even led Sunday school and Bible class for Lighthouse Family Worship Center in Anderson.

While the church’s pastor, Tyrone Vertner, recovered from an accident, Blackmon filled in. “Andre stepped in and did the teaching for Sunday school and Bible study for six months,” Vertner said. “In 1998, that’s when he gave his heart to the lord.”

Vertner said Blackmon then attended Indiana Christian University for seminary training as Vertner’s assistant.

While he has been portrayed as a drug dealer, Dixon said, Blackmon, through his work with the church, found himself on the opposite end of the spectrum, working to reform drug addicts.

Blackmon participated in prayer walks throughout Anderson’s west side, helping others find a path to the lord, according to Vertner.

“He wasn’t Don Corleone,” Dixon said in reference to the character in organized-crime movie “The Godfather.” “It wasn’t like he had henchmen running around selling drugs. The perception and reality are two very different things.”

According to Dixon, Blackmon’s funeral at Trinity Baptist Church in Anderson was a testament to his character. Hundreds filled the church and lined up outside for a chance to pay their final respects for the slain man. Those in attendance included pastors and members of the church community. “That’s not what happens at the funeral of a drug dealer,” Dixon said.

“This is the real Andre,” his mother said.

Aside from his work with the church, Blackmon was also a third-degree black belt. He worked part-time at Ashley Furniture, according to Dixon, but spent much of his time practicing mixed martial arts.

His training and skill raise many questions about his murder for family members.

“He was a professional fighter,” said his aunt, Brenda Kreig. “He was trained to fight. Something happened in that house. Every time a black man is shot in his house, it does not mean it was a drug deal.”

Blackmon’s mother said many rumors were flying about who her son was and how he died. “If they have information, they need to take that to the police.”

Kenya Hopkins, Blackmon’s sister, said her brother was not living the life of a drug dealer, despite police findings.

“Anyone who knew Andre knew that was not the lifestyle he lived,” Hopkins said. “I don’t believe the drugs belonged to Andre. It doesn’t mean that they sell drugs just because you find drugs in the house.”

The family is urging anyone with information about Blackmon’s death to share the details with police by calling (765) 648-6730.

In the meantime, Dixon and other family members will continue speaking out about Blackmon.

“Nothing’s going to bring him back,” Dixon said, “but we won’t allow his name and reputation to be erased as a result of an article.”