Deonte Ballard was 22 and living in Gary, Indiana when a violent day ended his life. In the early hours of May 15, 2015, someone tried to set his family’s home on the 1200 block of Aetna Street on fire; Deonte escaped that first attack with the family dog. Later that same day a knock at the door led to a deadly confrontation. Multiple people entered the house, shots were fired, and Deonte was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene just before midnight; another person in the home was wounded but survived.

Lake County investigators identified a person of interest and took a suspect into custody in connection with the shooting. Public details about the suspect’s identity, any charges, or the outcome of legal proceedings have not been provided. If anyone knew Deonte or has information about what happened that day, please share what can help complete the picture.