Benito Lugo

In the early morning hours of January 29, 2023, the life of 24-year-old Benito D. Lugo was tragically cut short in a residence in Jonesboro, Indiana. A Hispanic male from Hidalgo, Texas, Lugo was at the beginning of his adult life, exploring and traveling for his job. He was known to his friends and family as a kind and gentle soul with a love for the outdoors.

On that fateful morning, at approximately 3:15 a.m., authorities received a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim at a home located at 7220 South 200 West. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Lugo with a single gunshot wound to his chest. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators learned that five other individuals were present in the house at the time of the shooting.

The investigation into Lugo's death led authorities to identify 39-year-old Jose Santos Cruz as a suspect. Following interviews and the collection of evidence, Cruz was arrested and charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony. He was subsequently taken into custody at the Grant County Detention Center.

In the ensuing legal proceedings, Jose Santos Cruz later pled guilty to one count of criminal recklessness. He was sentenced to serve 1.5 years in prison, which will be followed by 2.5 years of probation. While the criminal case against Cruz has concluded, the investigation into the full circumstances surrounding Benito Lugo's death remained ongoing, with authorities encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. Lugo was remembered by his loved ones as a beloved son, brother, and friend with many future plans, including buying a house and a Dodge truck.