Wydallas Tobar, a 37-year-old Black male known to many as 'Dallas Prime' or 'TJ,' was a well-regarded DJ in his Gary, Indiana community, celebrated for his infectious smile and positive energy. His life was tragically cut short on the night of January 6, 2020. On that evening, Tobar was at the home of his ex-girlfriend, asleep in the basement, when a man named Jerrell 'Rell' Harris, then 39, forcibly entered the residence and opened fire.
The act of violence was reportedly instigated by a series of provocative text messages and pictures sent by the ex-girlfriend to Harris earlier in the day, making Tobar an unwitting victim in a volatile situation.
The investigation into Tobar's death led to the arrest of Jerrell Harris, who was initially charged with murder, burglary, and domestic battery. However, the legal proceedings that followed took a turn that left Tobar's family feeling that justice had not been fully served. Citing a lack of cooperation from witnesses, the prosecution ultimately entered into a plea agreement with Harris.
As a result of the plea deal, the initial serious charges were reduced. Harris pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony. His sentence was a four-year split, which included one year to be served in the Indiana Department of Corrections, two years in Lake County Community Corrections, and a final year on probation. This outcome was met with profound disappointment and frustration by Wydallas Tobar's loved ones, particularly his eldest daughter, who voiced their grief over the senseless loss and the perceived leniency of the sentence. Despite the legal conclusion, the memory of Wydallas Tobar endures through his family, friends, and the community he brought joy to with his music and personality.
