Gary Woman Facing Multiple Felonies After Late-Night Stabbing
Gary- A Gary woman is facing several felony charges after investigators say she stabbed her upstairs neighbor multiple times during a late-night fight inside an apartment, according to court documents filed in Lake County.
Shortly after midnight on October 21, 2025, Gary Police responded to a reported stabbing at an apartment in the 500 block of Connecticut Street. Detectives say Linda Joyce Haywood, who lives on the lower floor of the building, went upstairs and banged on her neighbor’s door, yelling about children making noise in the unit above.
The victim told police that after the door was opened, Haywood – who officers say smelled strongly of intoxicants -came inside, yelling and cursing. Haywood allegedly aggressively poked the victim in the forehead, and when her hand was pushed away, she swung with a closed fist, striking the victim in the face. The victim pushed Haywood out of the apartment, but she forced her way back in and began hitting again.
During the fight, the victim realized she was bleeding and was told by another person present that Haywood had stabbed her. Witnesses reported seeing Haywood stab the victim at least three times before running out of the apartment.
Court documents state that a short time later, Haywood returned to the door waving a larger knife and challenging the victim to fight. The victim told investigators she feared for her safety throughout the attack.
The victim suffered stab wounds and severe lacerations to the back of the head, neck, and shoulder area, resulting in significant blood loss. Paramedics advised she would need staples or stitches to close the wounds.
When Gary Police arrived, they found Haywood in the rear stairwell of the building. A knife with what appeared to be blood on it was recovered from her kitchen sink.
Charges filed October 22,2025:
• Aggravated Battery — Level 3 Felony
• Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
• Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
• Residential Entry — Level 6 Felony
