On June 24, 2026, Detective Nicholas Wardrip of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force and Hobart Police Department (Assistant Chief), secured charges against Roy Smart for the January 14, 2022 homicide of La’Montrell McFarland, 42, of Gary.

McFarland was shot and killed outside of Dannie’s Events & More night club (since closed) in Gary. Detective Wardrip was able to locate and interview numerous witnesses related to the investigation, in addition to analyzing forensic evidence in the case.

After an exhaustive investigation, Wardrip was able to identify Roy Smart, 44 of Chicago, as responsible for McFarland’s shooting. Smart is currently serving a prison sentence in Illinois and awaiting extradition.

Detective Wardrip assists with cold case investigations for the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, which consists of the Hobart Police Department, Indiana State Excise Police, the Indiana State Police, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, and the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The ATF and Lake County CSI also assisted in the investigation.

Smart faces up to 85 years in prison if convicted. He is also charged with possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon in relation to the incident given two prior serious violent felony convictions for Dealing in a Controlled Substance and Armed Robbery. All defendants are presumed innocent while cases are pending.

Anyone with further information about La’Montrell McFarland’s homicide is encouraged to contact Assistant Chief Nicholas Wardrip at 219-942-1125.