On the late evening of Thursday, April 6, 2023, the sound of gunfire pierced the night in East Chicago, Indiana. A Shotspotter alert registered eight rounds fired near Euclid Liquors located at 3801 Euclid Avenue. Responding to the alert around 11:33 p.m., East Chicago Police officers arrived at the scene to a grim discovery inside the liquor store.
Lying unresponsive on the floor was a Hispanic/Latino male, later identified as 47-year-old John Rodriguez of East Chicago.
He had sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest and was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding medics. The incident prompted a full response from the East Chicago Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff's Crime Scene Division, and the Lake County Coroner's Office, who all convened at the location to begin their investigation into the fatal shooting.
In the wake of the discovery of John Rodriguez's body, authorities have been actively investigating the circumstances that led to his death. As of the initial reports, no information regarding any potential suspects or arrests has been released to the public. The investigation into this tragic event remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials have appealed to the community for assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the East Chicago Police Department. A dedicated anonymous tip line has also been made available for individuals who wish to provide information while remaining anonymous.
