EAST CHICAGO — An East Chicago man captured following a cross-state police pursuit last month is now facing 17 criminal charges, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with the September 12 shooting death of 40-year-old Brent Jones.
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force announced Wednesday, October 1, that charges were filed against 37-year-old Austin Earl Williams following an investigation into the fatal shooting near Euclid Avenue and 138th Street in East Chicago.
According to investigators, East Chicago police responded to the 3800 block of Euclid Avenue for a reported shooting. Authorities allege the events leading to the homicide began with a domestic dispute involving Williams and a woman.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the woman told investigators she had argued with Williams earlier that night at Tuna’s Tap. She alleged Williams left in her red Chevrolet Malibu without permission.
After the woman left the establishment through a side door and began walking toward Ivy Street, she told investigators Williams drove up in the Malibu, got out and chased her on foot.
The woman alleged Williams struck her, causing her to fall, and continued hitting her while she was on the ground. She also alleged Williams later took her cellphone and assaulted her again. Investigators documented bruises and scratches to her face, arms, hands and neck, according to the affidavit.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators captured the woman screaming at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Jones was then seen approaching the area and asking the woman if she was okay before walking away, according to investigators.
Approximately three minutes later, investigators said the woman could be heard crying and yelling while a man authorities suspected was Williams yelled nearby. After the woman walked out of camera view, investigators reported hearing one gunshot followed by two additional shots.
Additional surveillance footage showed Jones and another person leaving a nearby liquor store and walking east on 138th Street shortly before the gunfire. Investigators described Jones as shirtless and apparently unarmed.
Jones was subsequently found suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest near Euclid Avenue and 138th Street. He was transported to a hospital, where he died. A preliminary autopsy attributed his death to the gunshot wound.
The Prosecutor’s Office said evidence developed during the investigation indicated Jones approached the area where Williams was allegedly assaulting the woman immediately before the shooting.
The woman told investigators she did not know where the shots originated but said she had previously seen Williams with a firearm. Investigators later searched her vehicle and reported finding an empty handgun holster underneath a bag containing men’s clothing and bathroom products.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance video, witness statements and shot-detection records and alleged that at least one gunshot was fired in the woman’s direction as she walked away from the area where the assault occurred.
Williams remained wanted following the homicide investigation until authorities developed information indicating he was staying in Hammond.
Investigators used phone-location information, social-media data and other investigative techniques to locate him, according to court records and the Prosecutor’s Office.
On September 22, Indiana State Police detectives and SWAT members located Williams after he was observed leaving a residence in Hammond.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle Williams was driving, but authorities said he fled, triggering a pursuit through Lake County and into Illinois.
The chase eventually ended in Chicago when the vehicle crashed into a fence near East End Avenue and 72nd Street. Williams was taken into custody following the crash. Investigators alleged he also attempted to flee on foot after the vehicle stopped.
The Prosecutor’s Office credited Indiana State Police geolocation detectives and the ISP SWAT Team with substantially assisting in locating and apprehending Williams.
17 Charges Filed
Williams was formally charged October 1 with:
- Murder
- Attempted murder, a Level 1 felony
- Two counts of robbery resulting in bodily injury, Level 3 felonies
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony
- Robbery by putting someone in fear, a Level 5 felony
- Robbery by use or threatened use of force, a Level 5 felony
- Resisting law enforcement by vehicle operation creating a substantial risk of bodily injury, a Level 5 felony
- Domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a Level 6 felony
- Domestic battery with a prior battery conviction, a Level 6 felony
- Auto theft, a Level 6 felony
- Resisting law enforcement by using a vehicle, a Level 6 felony
- Resisting law enforcement by knowingly fleeing, a Class A misdemeanor
- Domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor
- Theft, a Class A misdemeanor
- Criminal vandalism, a Class B misdemeanor
- Reckless driving, a Class C misdemeanor
According to the probable cause affidavit, Williams has previous felony convictions for battery in 2014 and burglary in 2010. Court records cited by investigators also indicate he was out on bond in a separate Level 3 felony burglary case at the time of the alleged offenses.
Detective Morgan Salazar of the East Chicago Police Department and Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force is the lead detective in the homicide investigation.
The Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation also received assistance from Indiana State Police, the Lake County CSI Division, the Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit and other members of the multi-agency Homicide Task Force.
Anyone with additional information regarding the homicide is asked to contact Detective Salazar at 219-755-3855.
