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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.