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.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.