A 10-year-old Chicago boy was killed and at least seven other people were wounded in two separate shootings that tore through Gary, Indiana, early Sunday, police said. The gunfire erupted minutes apart in neighborhoods roughly four miles apart, sending families and first responders scrambling in the pre-dawn hours.
Two crime scenes, minutes apart
Gary police said officers first responded around 12:34 a.m. to reports of shots fired near 19th Avenue and Hanley Street, then minutes later were sent to the 200-block of Chase Street about four miles away, according to ABC7 Chicago. Six people reportedly self-transported to Methodist Northlake Hospital, while other victims arrived at area hospitals; the conditions of those patients were not immediately known.
The 10-year-old boy was pronounced dead at Methodist Northlake and later identified by the Lake County coroner as Montana Weathers of Chicago, according to the station. A 50-year-old man was reported to be in critical condition, ABC7 Chicago reported.
Context: recent deadly incidents in Gary
The twin shootings added to a string of fatal incidents in the city this year. Records compiled by the Gun Violence Memorial list multiple recent homicides in Gary, including an entry as recently as June 8, underscoring the persistent toll of gun violence in the area. Local advocates and officials have in recent months pointed to strained resources and long-running public-safety challenges.
Police seek tips
Police asked anyone with information on the 19th Avenue and Hanley Street shooting to call Detective Corporal Melendez at 219-881-1209. For tips about the Chase Street shooting, they asked the public to contact Detective Salazar with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force at 219-755-3720, according to ABC7 Chicago. Officials said further information was not immediately available as investigators canvassed the scenes and reviewed hospital arrivals.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities said the probe remains active and that they are reviewing surveillance footage and hospital records to piece together how the two shootings are connected, if at all. Investigators urged anyone with video or eyewitness information to call the detectives listed as the inquiry continues.
