Norman Bailey, 60, was a well-known business owner and community leader in Gary, Indiana. A U.S. Army Reserves veteran and devout Christian, he founded Bailey’s Inc., ran the Blue Room Lounge and Bailey Real Estate Holdings, and was serving a second term on the Gary Community School Corporation’s Advisory Panel at the time of his death.

In the early morning hours of January 14, 2022, Bailey was fatally shot inside the Blue Room Lounge on East 16th Avenue shortly before the 3 a.m. closing time. Witnesses said a man confronted Bailey, claiming Bailey’s son had killed his brother; as Bailey turned, the man produced a gun and shot him multiple times. A second man, 28, was also shot and wounded in the leg and buttocks.

Gary police identified the suspect from witness interviews and surveillance video. The suspect fled and was later arrested in Tippecanoe County after a crash; an Indiana State Trooper reported the suspect appeared intoxicated and saw him attempt to discard a handgun. Charges were announced against the man in the week after the shooting. If anyone knew Norman Bailey or has information about the shooting, please come forward.