A memorial gathering for a baby in Gary, Indiana, turned deadly on March 2, 2021, when 31-year-old Aaron Hawkins of Chicago Heights, Illinois, was shot in the 2100 block of Vermont Street. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later ruled Hawkins’ death a homicide.

Witnesses say 25-year-old Shavesz Johnson of Hammond, Indiana, arrived at the residence, spoke with people at the gathering, then opened fire. Hawkins ran into a children’s bedroom and hid in a closet, but Johnson reportedly pursued him and continued shooting. Investigators say Johnson had called a relative who was inside the house before he arrived; after the shooting he allegedly apologized to others at the scene and fled. The Lake County Metro Homicide Unit identified Johnson as the suspect and charged him with murder and a firearm enhancement. He had an initial court hearing on July 28, 2022, and a public defender was appointed; the case was assigned to Judge Natalie Bokota.

Are there witnesses or neighbors who remember activity on Vermont Street that afternoon or can add details about who was at the gathering?