In the early morning hours of June 1, 2024, the quiet of a Gary, Indiana neighborhood was shattered by the violent death of 65-year-old Pen Standifer. A man described by those who knew him as someone who largely kept to himself, Standifer was tragically gunned down in his own driveway in the 4100 block of West 23rd Avenue. He was preparing to leave for his job as a dispatch operator for the Indiana Toll Road, a routine part of his day that ended in an unforseen act of violence.
Neighbors reported hearing the sound of gunshots, and upon looking outside, discovered Standifer collapsed near his vehicle.
Emergency services were promptly called to the scene. First responders from the Gary Fire Department administered lifesaving measures before transporting him to Northlake Methodist Hospital. Despite their efforts, Pen Standifer succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. The incident has been officially ruled a homicide, prompting an active and ongoing investigation by the Gary Police Department in conjunction with the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to a break in the case, though no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified. Standifer's sister has expressed a belief that the motive may have been a carjacking.
Pen Standifer was a man with deep roots in the Gary community. He was a graduate of Westside High School and went on to earn both a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Education from Indiana State University. His life was marked by a period of living abroad before he returned to the United States, where he dedicated several years to teaching special education. A man of faith and talent, he was an active member of the New Hope Baptist Church choir, sharing his gift of song which he attributed to a higher power. He was also a proud and loyal member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. His sudden and violent death has left his family, friends, and the wider Gary community in mourning, awaiting answers and justice.
