Welfare Check Finds 5 Individuals Deceased
In what seems to be an apparent murder-suic***, the Lake County Coroner has identified the deceased from Lake Station this afternoon.
The Lake County Coroner has identified the deceased as:
Briana Payne – 27
Alayna Payne – 4
Ava Payne – 6
Aurorah Payne – 7
The Lake County Coroner has ruled their deaths homicides by means of gunshot wounds.
The fifth subject deceased is Robert Payne, 31, who also suffered a gunshot wound and his manner of death is pending.
Counselors are being made available at the respective schools for students.
Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll said, “This is the worst information that anyone can hear, and it is heartbreaking to know that members of our community are going to suffer and continue to face the repercussions of such a tragedy. I assure you Lake Station will do our utmost to bring everything we can to the front and in the public eye. I truly hope that those affected will receive the support from this community that they undoubtedly need and I promise that the Lake Station administration will provide all of the support we are capable off. Please keep these people and family’s in all of your thoughts and prayers.”
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On Friday, 2/21/25, at approximately 2:44 PM, officers of the Lake Station Police Department were dispatched to the 6700 block of 9th Avenue in the Mansards Park in reference to a welfare check, according to Lake Station Police.
Upon arrival a search warrant was obtained for the residence in question, at which point 5 deceased individuals were located.
The preliminary investigation has led investigators to believe this is an isolated incident with no threat to the public, police said.
This is still an active scene as of 9 PM, with Indiana State Police on scene along with the Lake County Coroner. More information will be updated as it becomes available.
The Lake Station Police Department is asking for the public’s patience while more information is gathered and the appropriate individuals are notified before any additional information is released. If you have any information please contact Captain S. Peek at speek@lakestation-in.gov
