Two years after her son’s death, Melissa Clay is still searching for answers.
“Jaylen Devon McFarland, on March 26, 2023, endured an unspeakable act of violence that no family should have to endure,” Clay said. “Jaylen did not deserve what happened to him. He was a young man full of promise, love and life, a son who brought light to the world and those around him.”
Shortly after midnight on March 26, 2023, Gary police and fire officials were dispatched to the 3100 block of Chase Street. A black Jeep Cherokee was on fire when they arrived at the scene, and two victims — McFarland, 21, and Maxie Rallings, 52 — were found dead.
The incident was initially classified as a vehicle crash that caused the car to catch fire, but was later deemed a homicide because the two men were found with multiple gunshot wounds, according to information from Case Files Chicago.
McFarland’s father, La’Montrell McFarland, also died on Jan. 14, 2022, when he was found in the 2400 block of Broadway with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.
Jaylen and La’Montrell McFarland’s family and friends gathered on Chase Street Tuesday to mourn their deaths. The families are still searching for answers years later.
“I refuse to be silent,” Clay said. “Justice will have its day in court, but real justice, the kind that saves lives and builds futures, starts with us right now.”
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon said the city department has worked with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force in the investigation into Jaylen McFarland’s death. In a statement, Cannon said he’s maintained communication with Clay throughout the process.
“As Chief of Police, I hold the integrity of our department’s actions to the highest standard. Transparency is a fundamental principle of the Gary Police Department’s commitment to the community we serve,” Cannon’s statement said.
“There have been countless hours put into Mr. McFarland’s case as it remains an active homicide investigation. We are committed to pursuing justice for him and his family and encourage any residents to text any information or tips to (219) 207-8477.”
Cannon was unable to immediately comment on La’Montrell McFarland’s case.
Clay has not heard from the detective on Jaylen McFarland’s case this year, she said, and she’s tried talking to other members of the police department. She’s continued to post on social media about Jaylen McFarland’s death, hoping to get answers that way.
Clay believes it isn’t a coincidence that Jaylen and La’Montrell McFarland were both killed in back-to-back years.
Local Pastor Norman Hairston said the family has suffered enough with the deaths of Jaylen and La’Montrell McFarland. He encourages anyone who knows what happened in either case to confide in him.
“I pray that those who know what is taking place would help this family,” Hairston said, “so they can come to a point where some resolve is given, where some pain is eased, where some crying will stop to a point that it will not have to take place every day.”
Jacqueline Clay, Jaylen McFarland’s grandmother, said the family has been torn up about the deaths, and they have questions about what happened.
“Our families hurt every day of our lives,” Jacqueline Clay said. “The idea of (Jaylen McFarland) in that car, with them shooting and setting the car on fire, it just tears me up.”
Shavonne Legett, a family friend, also asked for the community to come forward with answers about the deaths. She wants Gary residents to support each other more, especially in times of need.
“We don’t stand behind each other when it comes to anything remotely close to standing up for each other,” Legett said. “We can talk about everything that is being done in the world, except for what is being done for each other.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
