Jami Isaih Long was sentenced Friday to 68 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for the fatal shooting of Kejaun Patton, according to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
The conviction stems from a June 14, 2024 shooting at a Little Caesars Pizza on Garfield Street in Gary, where Patton suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died from his injuries.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Gary Police were dispatched to the restaurant at approximately 7:46 p.m. for a reported shooting. Officers located multiple spent shell casings outside the entrance and spent projectiles inside the business, along with what appeared to be blood on the floor and items later identified as belonging to Patton.
Patton was transported to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary in critical condition and later pronounced deceased at 10:25 p.m. on June 14, 2024. The preliminary cause of death was ruled a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Court documents state surveillance footage from the restaurant and surrounding businesses showed Long arriving at the location in a Chevrolet Equinox. Patton later entered the business, and the two appeared to exchange words near the entrance.
Investigators said Long was observed holding the door open before pointing what appeared to be a handgun and firing multiple shots in Patton’s direction. Patton collapsed inside the lobby after being struck.
Long then fled the scene in the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Investigators later identified Long through surveillance footage and additional investigative work, including video review and statements obtained during the investigation.
Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter commends the work of Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Milana Petersen and Bradley Carter for their dedication to this case. Also special thanks to the Gary Police Department and the following:
• Detective William Clouse
• Detective David Umbarger
• Detective E. Green
• Sergeant Wayne Dodson
• Sergeant S. Simpson
• Corporal S. Melendez
• Officer C. Stark
• Officer D. Briggs Jr.
• Officer Harris
• Officer M. Czajkowski
• Detective Sergeant Mark Salazar
• Schererville Police Department–Detective Tyler Johnson
Prosecutor Carter stated, “We are grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the investigators and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to secure justice for the victim and his family.”
