A Gary man is facing 10 to 30 years for killing his mom’s ex, who “believed” he hit her with a car, records show.
James Gregory Adams, 30, signed a plea deal submitted Tuesday for voluntary manslaughter, under sudden heat.
Judge Gina Jones would have to review and accept the plea agreement. His sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 2.
The victim was identified as Lanier Miller, 48, of South Holland, Illinois — Adams’ stepfather.
Adams’ sister Ferria Jones, who was there, was charged with assisting a criminal, a Level 5 felony. Her status hearing is set for Thursday.
Munster Police were called around 4 a.m. Feb. 27, 2023 to MRC Global, 101 45th Street, near the Illinois state line, where a man was lying just outside a white Dodge Charger. The driver’s side door glass was shattered. The car was facing the loading bays.
Soon after, a relative dropped off Adams Jr. and Jones at the Munster Police Department at Town Hall to turn themselves in.
Jones told detectives the story began when a relative called her, saying Miller hit her mother with a car in Gary after they got into an argument when they got back from a party for his sister. Her family rushed to her mom’s house to see how she fared, seeing a bunch of cops there.
Her mother left her purse in the car — containing a Smith and Wesson handgun— and Miller dropped his cell phone on the ground.
Miller later called his phone from MRC Global, telling a relative he’d trade it for her purse. Adams Jr. “recognized” the phone number, because he’d also worked there, too, the affidavit states.
Adams Jr. and Jones went to get it back. They confronted Miller, who was sleeping in his car. Adams broke out the driver’s window struggling over the mother’s gun.
It went off, hitting Jones in the leg, then Adams shot Miller.
Deputy Prosecutor John Holmen is assigned. Defense lawyer Jennie Bell is representing Adams.
