Merrillville, IN – An early morning shooting in Merrillville left a 21-year-old man dead Friday, prompting a homicide investigation involving multiple Lake County agencies.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, a Medicolegal Death Investigation team was dispatched at approximately 5:43 a.m. Friday to a residence in the 3300 block of West 78th Place after reports of a deceased individual.
The victim was identified as Devon Johnson, 21, a resident of Merrillville. Family members were present at the scene and made a positive identification, officials said.
The coroner’s office confirmed Johnson suffered gunshot wound(s). An autopsy was performed later Friday at the Lake County Forensic Center in Crown Point, where the manner of death was officially ruled a homicide.
Investigators certified the time of death at 6:07 a.m., according to the coroner’s investigator.
The Merrillville Police Department, Merrillville Fire Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit all responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation.
As of Friday afternoon, authorities have not released information about potential suspects, arrests, or what led up to the shooting. Police have not indicated whether the incident was targeted or if there is an ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Residents in the area are encouraged to contact Merrillville police if they have information that could assist investigators.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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