Gary Woman Charged in Gary Homicide Cover-Up, Arson Conspiracy Case
A 54-year-old Gary woman, Antoinette Stokes, has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses stemming from a Gary homicide investigation that began in October 2024, according to court records.
Court documents state that the Gary Police Department began investigating the disappearance of Jimmijion Tushawn Bailey on October 6, 2024, after Bailey’s vehicle was located abandoned near the intersection of 9th Avenue and Roosevelt Street in Gary. Investigators later determined Bailey had last been seen at Woodlake Village Apartments.
During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at an apartment at 500 block of Vermillion Place, where they observed what appeared to be extensive blood evidence on a bed and mattress, along with an overpowering odor consistent with charcoal lighter fluid. Investigators documented melted and charred flooring, soot staining, and multiple containers of lighter fluid. Fire investigators later determined the fire inside the apartment was intentionally set and self-extinguished, and that the cause was incendiary, endangering other occupied units in the building.
On October 11, 2024, Bailey’s body was located in a ditch in the 2300 block of Clay Street in Gary. The body’s arms and legs were bound with black tape, and the head had been severed. Bailey was identified by tattoos and by a family member at the scene.
According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators linked several vehicles associated with the Stokes family to movements between Woodlake Village Apartments, Gary, Portage, and Lake Station during the critical time period. Court records state that a Ford Flex registered to Antoinette Stokes, along with other vehicles registered to members of the Stokes family, were repeatedly detected by license plate reader systems traveling to and from the apartment complex before and after the homicide.
Investigators allege Stokes drove a vehicle used to transport individuals involved in cleaning the apartment and attempting to destroy evidence. Court documents state that cellphone data tied to Stokes showed Google searches including queries such as “what to spray on blood so it illuminates,” “where to buy luminol near me,” “what stops luminol from working,” “what is a fast accelerant,” and “what burns faster kerosene or gas.” Detectives also documented text messages discussing attempts to start a fire inside the apartment.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly shows a co-conspirator purchasing cleaning supplies, duct tape, lighter fluid, and a lighter during overnight hours, followed by a return to the apartment. Investigators state Stokes did not notify law enforcement or the coroner of the discovery of Bailey’s body and did not have permission to alter the scene of death.
Based on the investigation, prosecutors allege Stokes knowingly participated in efforts to clean the scene, conceal evidence, and attempt to destroy the apartment by fire while the building was occupied.
Charges filed January 14,2026:
• Conspiracy to Commit Arson (damage by fire to property of another under circumstances that endanger human life) – Level 4 Felony
• Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony
• Altering the Scene of Death – Level 6 Felony
• Failure to Notify Authorities of Discovery of a Dead Body – Class A Misdemeanor
• Failure to Report Human Remains – Class A Misdemeanor
