A student-hosted party in the Robertsdale neighborhood of Hammond ended in gunfire in the early hours of Saturday, January 25, 2025. At about 2:20 AM in the 2300 block of New York Avenue, 19-year-old Javeoin Gills of Merrillville was found with a fatal gunshot wound. A 27-year-old man at the scene sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Gills was a Merrillville High School graduate, class of 2024, known for his standout play on the football team and for beginning a career in professional boxing. He was the father of a baby girl, Ja'Lani. At the time of initial reports, Hammond Police had not identified any suspects and investigators described the probe as ongoing.

If anyone attended the party or has information about what led to the shooting, please contact Hammond Police detectives.