On June 28, 2015, in the 5500 block of Beall Avenue in Hammond, Indiana, 23-year-old Robert Vilella was involved in a minor car crash that initially produced an amicable agreement between the drivers. While the parties were discussing the incident, an individual believed to be nearby opened fire. Vilella suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to Franciscan St. Margaret Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on June 29, 2015. His death was ruled a homicide.

Hammond police immediately said no suspects were in custody and asked the public for information. The shooting sparked broader violence: the vigil held for Vilella the next day was attended by members of the Latin Kings and was targeted by members of the rival Latin Counts, a separate attack that killed two people. Federal prosecutions later resulted in convictions tied to the vigil attack, but there have been no public announcements identifying or charging a suspect in Vilella’s killing. Does anyone have information about the shooting on Beall Avenue that could help bring answers?