Crime
2 killed in Merrillville gas station Murder-Suicide identified
MERRILLVILLE, IN – Authorities have released the identities of the two individuals who died in a murder-suicide inside a convenience store at a gas station in Northwest Indiana on Saturday morning.
According to the Merrillville Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 9:43 a.m. at the Luke gas station, located in the 700 block of East Lincoln Highway. Upon arrival, police discovered two deceased individuals inside the store.
On Sunday, the Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 42-year-old Amanda Dusek of Worth, Illinois, and 45-year-old Douglas Venable of Lake Station, Indiana.
In a statement, the Merrillville Police Department confirmed that their investigation determined the incident was a murder-suicide stemming from a domestic dispute. Authorities also verified that the victim and the suspect were known to each other.
The exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Following the incident, Luke gas station officials addressed the tragedy on social media, stating, “We are aware of an unfortunate situation that took place this morning at our Merrillville store. As a Luke family, we will continue to pray and support our team and the communities we serve.”
The gas station remained closed for most of the day as law enforcement conducted their investigation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress, help is available. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text TALK to 741-741 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support available 24/7. You are not alone.
In a statement, the Merrillville Police Department expressed condolences to the victims’ families:
“The Merrillville Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this senseless loss. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
A Luke gas station representative stated that there was one other employee inside the store at the time of the shooting, but did not confirm whether they were directly involved in the incident. The company also stated that it would not comment further until law enforcement completes its investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact Merrillville Police Detective Alexander Van Rite at avanrite@merrillville.in.gov.
This is a developing story, and further details will be provided as they become available.
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into tragedy when gunfire erupted during Homecoming festivities at Lincoln University, one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Saturday evening shooting left one person dead and six others injured, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a weekend of pride and unity.
Officials have identified the deceased victim as 25-year-old Jujuan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that all six surviving victims—aged between 20 and 25 years old—are expected to recover.
In a Sunday afternoon update, officials named 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson as one of the suspects involved in the shooting.
He is currently being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail, charged with carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Authorities emphasized that current evidence does not suggest the suspects attended the event with the intent to carry out a mass shooting.
Instead, investigators believe the violence stemmed from a dispute or altercation that escalated into gunfire.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following Lincoln University’s Homecoming football game.
The area was filled with tents, tables, and students celebrating the evening when chaos suddenly erupted.
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU,” said University Police Chief Marc Partee. “Devastated. If there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it — but devastated is a start.”
Lincoln University officials have announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.” Plans for a remembrance event honoring Jujuan Jeffers are underway.
Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities strongly believe multiple shooters were involved.
K-9 units are assisting in evidence collection, and forensic teams are processing what remains a large and active crime scene.
Investigators are conducting witness interviews and reviewing extensive surveillance and cellphone video footage.
Anyone with video evidence, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI to receive a secure upload link for submission.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate with local and federal partners to piece together the sequence of events and determine all parties involved.
Officials have assured the community that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional verified updates will be released as they become available.