Clarence James Tillotson, 63, of Gary, has been charged in Lake Superior Court following a May 30 shooting at a residence in the 4700 block of Adams Street in Gary.
According to court documents, police responded to a shooting and found evidence of a violent struggle inside the home, including a large knife on a table, a large blood stain on a couch, and a trail of blood leading from the residence to a neighboring home.
Court documents state the woman suffered a gunshot wound to her right cheek area, a gunshot wound to her right arm, and a gunshot wound to her right chest area. She was initially treated at a Gary-area hospital before being flown to Chicago for further medical treatment.
Police reviewed body camera footage in which the woman allegedly stated, “We were arguing. He went to the basement and got the gun. He shot me in my face and I tried to get out the house. He threw me across the room and I kept running out the door and ran to my neighbor.”
According to court documents, Tillotson told investigators that he and the woman had planned to go to a movie theater in Hobart earlier in the day, but after learning the movie they wanted to see did not start until later, they decided to get something to eat before returning home. Tillotson allegedly told detectives he purchased Irish Rose and a beer on the way home.
Court documents state the couple then began watching the movie Imperium on Netflix when notifications began appearing on Tillotson’s cellphone. Tillotson told investigators he ignored the messages, but the woman allegedly asked, “You ain’t going to see what your hoe is texting you?”
According to court documents, Tillotson claimed the woman later returned from the kitchen holding a knife and asked, “Is that one of your bitches calling you?!” He alleged she attempted to stab him, prompting him to grab her arm and take the knife away.
Tillotson allegedly told detectives, “I took the knife from her and put it on the table. I the one who put it there, did you see the knife? At the same time I reached for my gun that I keep beside me all the time and started shooting. I think I shot about twice. I’m not even sure where I shot her at.”
Court documents state Tillotson told investigators the woman ran from the residence after the shooting and sought help at a neighboring home. He allegedly stated, “I took my Rose and beer and sat on the front porch waiting on yall after I called the police. I think the lady next door called yall too.”
Investigators reported they did not observe any injuries consistent with Tillotson being cut by a knife or other sharp object. Court documents state he only had abrasions above his left elbow that police said were sustained while being detained.
Police also determined the handgun used in the shooting had been reported stolen out of Texas. Although Tillotson allegedly described the firearm as a Ruger 9mm, investigators determined it was a stolen Hi-Point C9 9mm handgun.
Charges filed June 1, 2026:
- Attempted Murder (Level 1 Felony)
- Aggravated Battery – Posing a Substantial Risk of Death (Level 3 Felony)
- Aggravated Battery – Results in Loss or Impairment of a Bodily Function (Level 3 Felony)
- Domestic Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Level 5 Felony)
- Domestic Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon (Level 5 Felony)
Currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
