Crime Solvers Central
CSC
268 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Leonard Wick death by force case profile photo

Leonard Wick

Case from Gary, IN dated Dec 23, 1972

Victim Details

Leonard Frank Wick

Male

Gary

IN

1972-12-23

69

Leonard

Wick

07/10/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
In the winter of 1972, a quiet home in Gary, Indiana, became the scene of a brutal crime that would echo through the decades. On December 23rd, 69-year-old Leonard Frank Wick was killed inside his residence during a home burglary. The tranquility of the holiday season was shattered by this act of violence, leaving a lasting scar on the community.

The man responsible for the death of Leonard Wick was identified as Rufus Averhart. Averhart and an accomplice broke into Wick's home, and durin ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Leonard Wick, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (4)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Convicted Cop Killer Released From Prison In Indiana - CBS News
  • Slain Gary officer remembered as killer walks free - NWI Times
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 2 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (3)

    I’ve been thinking a lot about how Leonard Frank Wick's case impacts the broader discussion about ... ...Read More
    11/28/2024
    I recently came across the case of Leonard Frank Wick, and my thoughts are with his family and frien... ...Read More
    11/21/2024
    Has anyone else been digging into the timeline of events around Leonard Frank Wick's murder and the ... ...Read More
    07/08/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Leonard Wick

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Gary, Indiana

    Nehemiah Martin death by force case in Gary, IN

    Nehemiah Martin

    Death: May 07, 2022
    On a spring evening in Gary, Indiana, a senseless act of violence irrevocably shattered a family. On O ...Read More
    Jamaris Frierson death by force case in Gary, IN

    Jamaris Frierson

    Death: Aug 11, 2017
    In the early hours of a Friday morning in Gary, Indiana, on August 11, 2017, gunfire erupted, leavin i ...Read More
    Tre Buggs death by force case in Gary, IN

    Tre Buggs

    Death: May 05, 2013
    In the spring of 2013, the life of a young man from Gary, Indiana, was cut short, leaving a family t ...Read More
    Xzavier Smith death by force case in Gary, IN

    Xzavier Smith

    Death: Dec 08, 2020
    In the early evening of December 8, 2020, the life of 23-year-old Xzavier Edwards-Smith was tragical a ...Read More
    Arnell Lackey death by force case in Gary, IN

    Arnell Lackey

    Death: Mar 15, 2020
    On March 15, 2020, law enforcement officials in Gary, Indiana, responded to a call regarding shots f ...Read More
    Alex McKenney death by force case in Gary, IN

    Alex McKenney

    Death: Sep 14, 2014
    In the early morning hours of September 14, 2014, a grim discovery was made in an alley on Jefferson o ...Read More
    Jaylen McFarland death by force case in Gary, IN

    Jaylen McFarland

    Death: Mar 26, 2023
    In the city of Gary, Indiana, a young man's life was cut tragically short, leaving a community to gr g ...Read More