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.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”