Marcus Williams went to a younger relative’s home around 5:30 p.m. April 18 – or Good Friday.
The boy had been having problems after fighting another male months earlier. There were threats ever since, the relative alleged.
As they talked, three males showed – the one he had fought – a.k.a. “P Youngin” – plus two teen brothers.
Within moments, the one the boy had fought flashed an AR-style rifle and shot Williams. On the ground, Williams took out his own handgun and returned fire. The shooter was hit and fell.
“Kill him,” the shooter said.
Then, authorities allege one of the brothers – a 16-year-old teen with an ankle monitor – picked up the shooter’s rifle and shot Williams multiple times.
The Post-Tribune is not identifying the teen shooter, because he is a minor. He was charged Friday with murder and a gun enhancement, which carries a combined 85-year maximum prison term.
Williams, 34, of Gary, died of several gunshots to the head and torso, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office. He was found lying next to a Buick Enclave parked in front of a home on the 3500 block of Massachusetts Street.
Several casings were found nearby – from both a rifle and handgun.
A check of public court records does not yet show charges against the first shooter, who was wounded and hospitalized after the shooting.
The 16-year-old’s younger brother – identified in court documents as S.C. – is a juvenile.
Police believe the younger teen lied in an interview, saying he didn’t know the first shooter, or the second shooter, who was his brother.
Another Gary Police officer later said S.C. tried dragging a wounded “P Youngin” – the first shooter – from the scene. They later found Williams’ gun in S.C.’s pockets.
Police recovered a security video a few blocks away that appeared to show the trio in similar clothing, walking to the crime scene shortly before the shooting. “P Youngin” appeared to be carrying the rifle.
One teen – the 16-year-old – had a bulging ankle – as if he was wearing a GPS monitor.
Witnesses identified the two shooters in a photo lineup.
“P Youngin” later told officers he was unarmed and Williams threatened and shot him unprovoked – an account police believed was a lie.
He said he was going to a friend’s house on the 3400 block of Kentucky Street.
The 16-year-old’s ankle monitor put him at the crime scene at 5:41 p.m., then back home around 6:42 p.m., the affidavit alleges.
When a warrant was served, the 16-year-old appeared to have puncture wounds on his chest, as if he climbed over a fence.
He told a detective he was at West Side Leadership Academy from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. that day. The detective countered the Gary high school was closed for Good Friday.
The boy went silent. His mother asked for a lawyer.
Anyone with information can call Det. Jason Szemes at 219-755-3855.
mcolias@post-trib.com
