MERRILLVILLE — A Lake County jury has found Dejuan Boyd McIntyre guilty in connection with a June 2023 shooting that left one woman dead and another man seriously injured along Mississippi Street.
According to court records and a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began the night of June 8, 2023, when officers were dispatched around 11:13 p.m. to the 6400 block of Mississippi Street near a Menards store.
Responding officers located a crashed 2007 Saturn Ion against a fence, multiple shell casings in the roadway, and two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were later identified as Ashley L. Bitikofer, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, and Michael Lehman, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Lehman, who was transported by helicopter to a Chicago hospital, told responders he had been shot by a man he identified as “Don,” who was driving a black SUV.
Investigators reviewed 911 calls made moments after the shooting.
In the first call, placed by Bitikofer, she reported that her vehicle had been shot and that she was bleeding heavily. During the call, dispatchers could hear what sounded like a struggle before the line disconnected.
Minutes later, Lehman called 911, reporting “shots fired” and telling dispatchers he had been shot in the face, leg, and abdomen. At one point, he told dispatchers to “tell my kids I love them,” as bystanders attempted to assist him.
Witnesses and Evidence
A witness told police he observed a black SUV at the scene and a male wearing a white shirt entering the vehicle before fleeing southbound. Investigators recovered five 9mm shell casings and secured cell phones belonging to both victims.
Through interviews with family and friends, detectives identified a suspect: Bitikofer’s ex-boyfriend, McIntyre.
Family members described a turbulent relationship, stating McIntyre had recently attempted to reconcile and had allegedly threatened Bitikofer after learning she was seeing Lehman.
Text messages sent by Bitikofer shortly before the shooting indicated McIntyre had confronted her at a Merrillville motel earlier that evening and had “put his hands on” her.
Vehicle Evidence and Arrest
License plate reader data placed a black Mercury Mountaineer registered to McIntyre in the area shortly after the shooting. Surveillance footage also captured a similar SUV traveling with the victims’ vehicle moments before the incident.
McIntyre was taken into custody on June 9, 2023. While he denied involvement in the shooting, he admitted to driving his black SUV that night.
Autopsy Findings
An autopsy determined Bitikofer died from multiple gunshot wounds. The Lake County medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide, noting injuries consistent with close-range gunfire and defensive wounds to her arm.
Jury Verdict and Next Steps
Following a jury trial, McIntyre was found guilty of:
• Murder (with a firearm enhancement)
• Attempted murder (with a firearm enhancement)
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter credited the work of deputy prosecutors and the extensive investigative efforts by the Merrillville Police Department and partner agencies, including the FBI.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for May 6, 2026.
