In the early hours of Saturday, January 25, 2025, a party attended by local college students in the Robertsdale neighborhood of Hammond, Indiana, turned tragic. Javeoin Gills, a 19-year-old male from Merrillville, was fatally shot. The incident occurred at approximately 2:20 AM in the 2300 block of New York Avenue, where Hammond Police were dispatched following reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Gills with a fatal gunshot wound.
Another man, aged 27, was also found at the scene with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Javeoin Gills was a recent graduate of Merrillville High School, class of 2024, where he had been a star player on the football team. Following his high school career, he pursued professional boxing. He was a father to a baby girl, Ja'Lani. At the time of the initial reports, Hammond Police had not identified any suspects in the shooting. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the party and the subsequent violence was ongoing. Authorities urged anyone who attended the party or had any information to come forward and contact the Hammond Police detectives assigned to the case.
