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.
Crime
55-Year-Old Camilla Daniel Dies Days After Assault at Columbus Home, Son Brandon Harmon Arrested
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A 55-year-old woman has died several days after she was reportedly assaulted inside her home in Columbus, Georgia, and her son has been arrested in connection with the incident, according to authorities.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the victim as Camilla Faye Daniel, who died at 6:36 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Piedmont Columbus Regional.
According to Bryan, Daniel was assaulted at her residence on Sunday, October 11. Following her death, arrangements were being made to transport her body for an autopsy to determine the cause and circumstances of her death. Her family has been notified.
The case follows a reported assault involving a stabbing in the 2900 block of Dawson Street late Sunday night. The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.
Jail records show that Brandon Harmon, 37, was booked into the Muscogee County Jail on October 12. He was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.
Authorities have confirmed that Harmon is Daniel’s son and was incarcerated in connection with the case. However, officials have not yet publicly announced whether the charges against him will be amended or whether additional charges will be filed following Daniel’s death.
The pending autopsy is expected to help investigators establish further details surrounding Daniel’s death. Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances of the alleged assault.
The investigation remains ongoing. Further updates may be released as police and the coroner’s office provide additional information.