Gary, IN – A Lake County jury has found Thomas Starks guilty in connection with the August 8, 2023, murder of Kajah Wilson and the attempted murder of another individual in the 300 block of Clark Road in Gary. The verdict was announced Friday by Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter, following a trial that concluded with convictions on multiple felony charges.
According to court records, Starks was convicted of murder, attempted murder involving the intentional killing of another person, aggravated battery resulting in serious permanent disfigurement, and burglary of a dwelling.
The Gary Police Department said the conviction represents the culmination of a detailed investigation led by its Real Time Crime Center, Patrol Division, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, with assistance from the Indiana State Police. Officials also acknowledged the cooperation of community members whose information was crucial to solving the case.
Prosecutor Carter commended Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Jacob Brandewie and Veronica Gonzales for their dedication and outstanding work on the case. He also expressed appreciation to Detective Roger Escutia of the Indiana State Police and Sergeant Manuel Green of the Gary Police Department for their roles in the investigation.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, in Lake County Superior Court. Starks remains incarcerated at the Lake County Jail awaiting sentencing.
