In the late summer of 2017, the community of Gary, Indiana, was rocked by the violent and untimely death of Allen Lorin Williams, a 28-year-old man with a promising future. An educator who had recently earned his master's degree in education from Indiana University Northwest, Williams had just secured a new position as the dean of students at a local school.
On the evening of August 17, 2017, he was out with friends celebrating this significant achievement, a night that should have been filled with joy and anticipation for the next chapter of his life.
As the night drew to a close, Williams was driving his white Dodge Challenger. He was close to home, waiting at a red light at the intersection of U.S. 20 and Utah Street in the Aetna neighborhood of Gary. It was there, in the familiar surroundings of his own neighborhood, that his life was tragically cut short. An unknown assailant, or assailants, opened fire on his vehicle, striking him multiple times. Despite being rushed to a hospital in Chicago, his wounds proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead.
The news of Williams' death sent shockwaves through his family and all who knew him. Remembered for his kind words, big heart, and contagious smile, his loss was deeply felt. The Lake County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation into the shooting, treating it as a homicide. They believe he may have visited the Buzz Box lounge and possibly Dirtty's Jazz & Blues Club earlier in the evening and have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
Two years after the fatal shooting, authorities were still actively seeking leads to solve the case. They urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, emphasizing that even a small detail could be the key to bringing justice for Allen Williams and his grieving family. As of the last public reports, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with his murder, leaving a community to mourn and a family still waiting for answers.
