Lafayette Man Identified as Homicide Victim in Gary Shooting: Investigation Underway
GARY, IN — Authorities have identified the victim in a fatal shooting that took place early Saturday morning in Gary as Antwan Tyler Levell Williams, a 27-year-old resident of Lafayette, Indiana. The Lake County Coroner’s Office released the information following a coordinated response to the crime scene and the initiation of a homicide investigation.
According to official records, the Lake County Coroner and the Medicolegal Death Investigation Team were dispatched to the 400 block of East 21st Place at approximately 7:45 a.m. on July 26, 2025. Emergency responders arrived to find Williams suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:12 a.m.
Details Emerge as Investigation Unfolds
While specific details regarding the events that led to the shooting have not yet been disclosed, investigators have confirmed that Williams’ death is being treated as a homicide. A forensic autopsy is scheduled to be conducted on Monday, July 28, at the Lake County Forensic Center in Crown Point. The preliminary cause of death has been listed as gunshot wounds, with the official manner of death confirmed as homicide by the coroner’s office.
The Gary Police Department is leading the initial stages of the investigation, with support from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force. Law enforcement agencies remain tight-lipped about potential suspects or motives at this early stage of the investigation, but sources familiar with the case indicate that detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
A Life Cut Short
Family and friends of Antwan Williams are now grappling with the shock and heartbreak of his sudden and violent death. Described by those who knew him as a “big-hearted, loyal, and hard-working” young man, Williams had deep roots in his hometown of Lafayette. Though details about what brought him to Gary that morning remain unclear, his loved ones remember him as someone who always sought to uplift those around him and who cherished time spent with family and close friends.
Social media has since filled with tributes, condolences, and calls for justice from individuals across Lafayette and the wider community. His loss has sparked sadness and concern in both Gary and Lafayette — two Indiana communities now joined in mourning.
Community Reaction and Call for Justice
In response to this latest incident, residents of Gary are expressing renewed concern over ongoing gun violence in the area. While law enforcement has made efforts to curb criminal activity, residents say more needs to be done to create safer neighborhoods and prevent senseless acts of violence like the one that took Antwan Williams’ life.
Activists and community leaders are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Anonymous tips can be provided to the Gary Police Department or through crime-stopper hotlines, and investigators stress that public assistance is crucial in bringing those responsible to justice.
Ongoing Investigation
As the Lake County Homicide Task Force continues its work, detectives are appealing for potential witnesses who may have seen or heard anything unusual around East 21st Place on the morning of July 26. Investigators are particularly interested in any video surveillance from businesses or homes in the area that might help track the suspect’s movements before or after the shooting.
No arrests have been made as of this report, and police have not released any information regarding suspects or persons of interest.
Remembering Antwan Tyler Levell Williams
As the investigation continues, the focus for many remains on remembering Antwan Tyler Levell Williams — not just as a victim of violence, but as a young man whose life was full of promise. In a statement from his family, they shared:
“Antwan was deeply loved, and we are devastated by his loss. He brought joy and strength to our lives. We want answers, and we want justice. But more than anything, we want to honor his memory with truth and dignity.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, and community members are organizing a candlelight vigil in both Lafayette and Gary to honor Williams’ life and advocate for peace and justice.