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
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.