Atrailu William Moore, 38, of Gary, is facing a murder charge after a fatal pedestrian incident April 6, 2026, in the 1100 block of East Ridge Road in Griffith, according to court documents.
Griffith officers responded around 11:21 a.m. after multiple 911 callers reported a driver had struck a man who was walking and appeared to be trying to leave the scene. Callers reported the man was down on the ground and not moving. The victim was identified as Tony Pendleton, 59, owner of D’Light Boutique.
Officers arriving on scene located a red Jeep Grand Cherokee and made contact with Moore, who was identified as the driver. Police observed damage to the front passenger-side bumper. Moore initially told officers, “Nothing happened. I was trying to get something to eat,” and denied hitting anyone. He later claimed he struck a deer but could not explain where.
According to the affidavit, witness information and surveillance video indicated Moore had contact with Pendleton in the parking lot before the collision. Video showed the Jeep pulling alongside the victim, and the two appeared to speak before the victim walked away.
Investigators said the Jeep then followed the victim through the parking lot and accelerated into his back. The impact launched the victim into the air, and the vehicle continued forward, running him over. The Jeep then continued a short distance before stopping and was later seen reversing back toward the victim, who moved into the grass to avoid being struck again.
Medics reported the victim told them, “He hit me with his car,” and “He tried to kill me.” Pendleton was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police noted Moore appeared disoriented during the investigation, struggled to focus, and gave inconsistent statements. Officers reported he appeared unaware of events and at times stared blankly. During a later interview, Moore admitted, “I hit someone,” and also stated, “I was driving and I hit a guy by mistake,” though he also claimed he could not remember what happened.
The affidavit also details an earlier incident involving Moore that same morning, where officers were called to the Park West Apartments after a man reported Moore had followed him and was acting erratically. Moore was trespassed from the property during that incident.
Moore’s family member told police he had been dealing with substance abuse issues and had recently been using PCP. She said his behavior had changed in recent weeks and family members had attempted to get him help the night before.
Moore was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail.
Charge filed April 8, 2026:
Murder
