In the quiet evening of October 26, 2023, in Michigan City, Indiana, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace on Calumet Avenue. Inside a parked SUV, 58-year-old Susan Simmons was fatally wounded, her life abruptly ended while sitting in the front passenger seat. Her husband, Thomas Simmons, 60, was also struck by multiple gunshots. Despite his injuries, he survived the violent encounter that claimed his wife.
Responding to alerts from a gunshot detection system and a flurry of 911 calls,
police arrived to find the tragic scene. Their investigation quickly pointed to one individual: David “DJ” Wilson Jr. It is alleged that Wilson had arrived at the residence, stepped out of his vehicle, and fired numerous shots into the SUV carrying the Simmons couple before speeding away. His attempt to flee was short-lived, as he crashed his vehicle a short distance away and was promptly taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, police discovered he was in possession of a stolen handgun, and the vehicle he was driving had also been reported stolen.
The aftermath of the shooting saw David Wilson Jr. facing a litany of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery. The legal process began to unfold, with the case being presented to the LaPorte County Chief Deputy Prosecutor and formal charges being filed. Wilson is also charged with criminal confinement, being a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm, criminal recklessness, theft of a firearm, auto theft, and driving with a suspended license. He was subsequently held without bond awaiting future court proceedings.
Susan Simmons, remembered as a beloved member of her community, was born on January 7, 1965. Her obituary reveals a life deeply rooted in Michigan City, where she was known for her powerful singing voice, often shared at church services, weddings, and funerals. Tragically, her son's name is listed in her obituary as David Wilson Jr.
