Cecil Wayne Pendleton Jr., 55, was shot and killed on the morning of May 6, 2015, in the parking lot of the Tan Tar A Apartments in Merrillville, Indiana. A United States Air Force veteran and active youth ministry coach, Pendleton was leaving for his job at a steel mill shortly after 5 a.m. when several men breaking into cars targeted him as he was getting into his van. Pendleton sought refuge in his vehicle but was struck by a shot fired through the passenger window and later died at Methodist Hospital Southlake.

The Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force and Merrillville police arrested four people that evening at a nearby hotel and near the scene; three handguns were recovered. Some of those arrested faced charges unrelated to the murder while homicide-related proceedings were pending. A $10,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Pendleton’s family and community remembered him for his generous, jovial nature, big heart, and commitment to helping others. If anyone has information about the shooting or those involved, please come forward to assist the investigation.