On the evening of June 15, 2024, emergency responders in Gary, Indiana, were dispatched to a residence located at 1010 East 49th Avenue following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a young man who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was urgently transported to the emergency room at Southlake Methodist Hospital for medical intervention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased at 9:08 p.m. shortly after his arrival. Family members were present at the hospital to identify their loved one, whose life was abruptly ended just days before his birthday.
The victim was identified as Xavier Rashad Maypray, an 18-year-old Black male who had been born in Gary to parents NaToshia Maypray and Michael Boone. Known affectionately as 'Zay' by his friends and family, he was the eldest of four siblings and was preparing to turn nineteen. Xavier had attended 21st Century Elementary and Lighthouse Charter Schools in the area. Aside from his employment at local fast-food establishments like McDonald's and Wendy's, he was recognized for his athletic abilities, having participated in baseball and showing particular promise in boxing.
Following the incident, the Lake County Coroner’s Office conducted a forensic autopsy at the Lake County Forensic Center in Crown Point, which formally ruled the death a homicide caused by the gunshot injuries. A multi-agency investigation was launched involving the Gary Police Department, the Gary Fire Department, the Lake County Sheriff's Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force. As of the latest available reports, no suspects have been publicly named or taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the events of that night to contact law enforcement to assist in the ongoing investigation.
