A Gary couple faces charges in connection with a deadly shooting at a woman’s Jan. 21 birthday party that left one man dead and two others wounded.
Damonte “Tay-Tay” Jones, 21, and La Shawnta Nechelle “Shante” King, 25, were each charged Thursday with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Both are facing gun enhancements, which add more time if convicted.
Police arrested Jones on Jan. 29 hiding in a basement on the 6300 block of Tennessee Street in Hammond, Gary Police Cmdr. Jack Hamady said in a Facebook post. King is also jailed, held without bond. She had a hearing Friday.
The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Jan. 21 on the 2100 block of Delaware Place in Gary. One witness said about 10 people were hanging out, drinking and playing cards.
When Gary Police arrived, they found Davian Hilson, 26, of Gary, shot, lying on the kitchen floor. His death was ruled a homicide. His sister was lying next to him, shot in the abdomen. A third man was shot five times in the groin and leg but survived.
Investigators learned King and the female victim wanted to fight before the party, but refrained after people said it would ruin the birthday.
King felt disrespected and was seen texting someone. About 15 minutes later, Jones showed up and banged on the back door, records show. King let him in. Witnesses said he took two steps inside before confronting Hilson, who stood up.
“You got a problem with my girl,” Jones said before witnesses heard shots. He left with King.
Witnesses said Jones appeared to target the victims. Police obtained a text thread where King told Jones to “slide through” — street slang for a gang-related shooting.
Anyone with further information can call Sgt. David Moran at 219-755-3855.
mcolias@post-trib.com
