Crime
Five People, Including Three Children, Found Dead in Northwest Indiana Home
Lake Station, Indiana – Authorities have identified the five individuals found dead inside a home in Lake Station on Friday afternoon, February 23, 2025.
Officers from the Lake Station Police Department conducted a welfare check at approximately 2:44 p.m. at a residence in the 6700 block of 9th Avenue.
Upon entering the home, officers discovered five deceased individuals, including three young children.
On Saturday, February 24, the Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed that all five individuals had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as:
- Alayna Payne, 4 (homicide)
- Ava Payne, 6 (homicide)
- Aurorah Payne, 7 (homicide)
- Briana Payne, 27 (homicide)
- Robert Payne, 31 (manner of death pending)
The coroner officially ruled the deaths of Briana Payne and the three children as homicides.
However, the manner of death for Robert Payne remains under investigation, and officials have not yet classified it as either a homicide or suicide.
Lake Station Police have stated that they believe the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
However, authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the deaths, potential suspects, or any possible motives.
The Lake Station Police Department, along with the Lake County Coroner’s Office, continues to investigate the case.
Authorities have urged the public to remain patient as they work to determine the exact sequence of events.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Lake Station Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through local crime reporting channels.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details become available.
DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Authorities have identified the middle school student who was fatally shot during an after-school altercation as 13-year-old Derron Woody.
In a letter to families on Friday, DeKalb Alternative School Principal Terrence Harvey confirmed Woody’s passing and extended condolences to his family and friends.
A crisis intervention team was made available at the school to provide grief counseling for students and staff.
The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the 4800 block of Glenwood Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. Woody was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to police, another middle school student was taken into custody for questioning, but no charges have been filed at this time.
Investigators are working to determine what led to the altercation and how it escalated to gunfire.
Woody’s father believes his son was attempting to flee when he was shot. His family described him as an avid gamer and shared cherished photos from his fifth-grade graduation in 2023.
As they prepare for his funeral, the family has launched a fundraiser to assist with burial expenses.
Those wishing to contribute can do so via their GoFundMe campaign.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact DeKalb police or submit an anonymous tip through the free Tip411 app by texting “DKPD” to 847411, followed by the tip.