On an autumn evening in Merrillville, Indiana, a dispute outside a motel escalated into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 36-year-old Anthony Gibbs. The incident occurred on October 2, 2021, at the Economy Inn where Gibbs, a resident of Highland, Indiana, was with his girlfriend. Earlier in the day, they had encountered difficulties renting a room at the motel as Gibbs was reportedly on a 'do not rent' list.
Later that evening, around 6 p.m., an argument erupted between Gibbs and
another man, identified as Barry “Blu” Billingsley, outside the motel. During the confrontation, Billingsley allegedly told Gibbs to leave the premises. As Gibbs was gathering his belongings, he was shot in the face and leg. His girlfriend sustained a gunshot wound to her foot, and her dog was also injured in the shooting. When police arrived at the scene, they found Gibbs unresponsive on the sidewalk.
Following the shooting, an investigation was launched which quickly pointed to Billingsley, then 45, as the primary suspect. Merrillville police apprehended him on October 4, 2021, after a brief standoff. Billingsley was subsequently charged with murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of Anthony Gibbs.
The case against Barry Billingsley has faced delays in the judicial system. His trial, which commenced in January 2025, was ultimately declared a mistrial due to a medical emergency in the courtroom. Following the mistrial, the case has been subject to multiple rescheduling efforts. A hearing was set for January 15, 2025, to address a motion to dismiss filed by the defense. Should the motion be denied, a new trial date is expected to be scheduled.
