Lake Station — A nearly three-year-old homicide investigation has led to multiple arrests and felony charges following a renewed effort by the Lake Station Police Department’s Cold Case Unit.
According to police, 17-year-old Demetrius Harbour was found murdered on August 20, 2022, in the east alley of the 2700 block of Gibson Street. Officers were originally dispatched around 7:33 p.m., where Harbour was discovered lying on his back, deceased. An autopsy later determined he died from a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
After the case remained unsolved for years, detectives revisited the investigation in early 2025 as part of a newly formed Cold Case Unit. Working alongside the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, investigators developed new evidence that ultimately led to charges being filed on March 31, 2026.
Keshaun Rey Perkins, 23, of Lake Station, who was already in custody on unrelated charges, is now charged with two counts of murder and one count of robbery resulting in bodily injury, along with firearm enhancements. Court documents allege Perkins admitted to multiple individuals that he shot Harbour during a robbery involving firearms. According to the affidavit, Perkins told witnesses the victim refused to give up a gun and phone, prompting him to shoot the victim and push him from a vehicle.
Investigators say evidence indicates the shooting occurred inside a red Ford Explorer, where a Ruger 9mm handgun, a spent shell casing, and blood matching the victim were later recovered. Authorities noted the vehicle appeared to have been cleaned after the incident, though some evidence remained. Additional evidence included text messages in which Perkins allegedly discussed attempting to obtain a firearm prior to the shooting.
Police allege the robbery involved more than one individual. Keontay Maurice Perkins was taken into custody in Lake Station and is charged with murder and robbery resulting in bodily injury. Mariana Jeanette Puentez was taken into custody in Gary and is charged with assisting a criminal, obstruction of justice, and false informing.
Investigators say location data, surveillance, and witness statements showed Harbour had been traveling throughout the day with Perkins, making multiple stops before the shooting occurred around 6:20 p.m. Evidence indicates another individual was picked up shortly before the incident and participated in the robbery, during which Harbour was shot inside the vehicle before being removed and left in the alley.
Keshaun Rey Perkins (already in custody on other charges):
COUNT I – MURDER (a Level 1 Felony)
COUNT II – MURDER (a Level 1 Felony)
COUNT III – ROBBERY RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY (a Level 3 Felony)
ENHANCEMENT TO COUNT I – FIREARM USED IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE
ENHANCEMENT TO COUNT II – FIREARM USED IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE
ENHANCEMENT TO COUNT III – FIREARM USED IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE
Keontay Maurice Perkins (taken into custody in Lake Station, IN today):
COUNT I – MURDER (a Level 1 Felony)
COUNT II – ROBBERY RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY (a Level 3 Felony)
Mariana Jeanette Puentez (taken into custody in Gary, IN today):
COUNT I – ASSISTING A CRIMINAL (a Level 5 Felony)
COUNT II – ASSISTING A CRIMINAL (a Level 6 Felony)
COUNT III – OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE (a Level 6 Felony)
COUNT IV – FALSE INFORMING (a Class B Misdemeanor)
Police credited the work of Detective Cameron Price and the Cold Case Unit, along with assistance from multiple agencies including the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, Lake County High-Tech Crime Unit, Indiana State Police Lab, and the Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Unit.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
