In the late summer of 2022, the life of 51-year-old Curtis Burnside was abruptly and violently cut short in Gary, Indiana. On September 8th, what began as an ordinary day ended in tragedy when an altercation outside his home escalated to a fatal shooting. Burnside, a man described by his loved ones as creative, observant, and someone who would defend those who could not defend themselves, was shot multiple times.
Despite his efforts to retreat into his residence after being wounded, he collapsed and succumbed to his injuries on his own floor. The incident also resulted in a pet dog being grazed by a bullet.
Witnesses at the scene quickly identified the alleged assailant, leading to a swift response from law enforcement. A person of interest was located just a few residences away from the crime scene and was taken into custody by the Gary Police Department with the assistance of Metro Detectives. The individual arrested was identified as 60-year-old Lamar Golston of Gary. According to accounts from witnesses, Golston had a history of erratic behavior and would often brandish a weapon without provocation. The day of the shooting, he had reportedly arrived at Burnside's home and asked to see him, which led to the deadly dispute.
Following the investigation by the Gary/Lake County Metro Homicide Unit, the case was presented to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office. On September 9, 2022, Lamar Golston was formally charged with the murder of Curtis Burnside. In a later development, Golston pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, a Level 2 felony, in October of 2023. He was subsequently sentenced to 19 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for his role in Burnside's death. The resolution of the legal proceedings brought a measure of closure to a case that underscored the devastating impact of gun violence on the community.
