In the early evening of January 8, 2023, a trip to a BP gas station in East Chicago, Indiana, turned tragic for 26-year-old Kelley R. Holmes. A man, later identified as Eihlan Hunt of Hammond, approached Holmes and ominously stated, 'I need to talk to you.' The two then moved towards the back of the gas station. Moments later, the sound of 10 to 12 gunshots shattered the evening air.
Responding to a call at approximately 6:22 p.m., East Chicago police discovered Holmes with seven gunshot
wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene at the gas station located at 4502 Indianapolis Boulevard. Holmes, a Black male, was a resident of both East Chicago and Hammond. He was known for his warm smile and kind heart and was an active and much-loved member of the East Chicago Church. He was instrumental in inspiring the 'Paying it Forwards, Warm Hearts Community Meals' program, which provides warm meals to the homeless every Thursday evening.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed to Eihlan Hunt as the suspect. In a turn of events, Hunt agreed to plead guilty but mentally ill to the murder of Kelley Holmes. As part of the plea agreement, Hunt was expected to receive a 45-year prison sentence. This plea deal also encompassed the dismissal of a pending attempted murder case against Hunt from December 2022, as well as another misdemeanor case. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for December 18, 2023.
