Indiana T-Shirt Business Owner Accused of Pocketing Funds Meant for Slain Teen’s Family

In a troubling case out of southern Indiana, authorities allege that a local business owner misappropriated funds raised in memory of a slain high school football player.

Amber Tower, proprietor of Tower’s Tees, faces charges of criminal conversion after reportedly collecting over $13,000 through merchandise sales intended to benefit the family of 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach. Gerlach, a senior at Corydon Central High School, was tragically killed during a shooting at the Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany on October 12, 2024. Four men have been charged in connection with the incident, which also injured two other bystanders.

Following the tragedy, Tower’s Tees launched a fundraising campaign, selling “Justice for Bryce” T-shirts and bracelets, purportedly to support the Gerlach family’s scholarship fund. However, investigators allege that Tower failed to deposit any proceeds into the designated account and only issued a partial payment of $3,125.50 after being confronted by the family.

Court documents reveal that Tower admitted to difficulties in accounting for the total sales and was uncertain about the number of items sold, particularly through in-store transactions. She also reportedly failed to provide clear records of cash donations and bracelet sales. An investigator noted that Tower claimed she intended to make the donation “soon,” but only acted after the family intervened.

The case has sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing disappointment over the alleged exploitation of a family’s grief for personal gain. Tower is currently facing legal proceedings, and the Gerlach family continues to seek justice for their son.