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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.