On the morning of November 9, 1989, in Munster, Indiana, a man posing as a delivery driver forced his way into the Levine home during what was supposed to be a celebratory day for the family. The intruder, identified as Bruce McKinney, pistol-whipped Mark Levine and then shot Donald and Marsha Levine. Donald Levine, 55, was shot in the face and chest and later died after four hours of surgery; Marsha died before reaching the hospital. Their son Mark escaped and ran to a nearby school to summon help, becoming the only survivor of the attack.

Investigators determined the killings were part of a murder-for-hire plot arranged by Donald’s brother, Robert Levine, who wanted control of the family’s real estate. McKinney confessed and testified that Robert hired him to kill Donald, Marsha, and Mark. A jailhouse informant also testified against Robert. Robert Levine was convicted on five counts of conspiracy in the murders and sentenced to life without parole; McKinney was identified as the gunman.