Gary Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting Outside Tavern
A Gary man has been charged with murder after police say he admitted to fatally shooting a man outside a tavern following a bizarre altercation that began in a liquor store.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on August 19, 2025, investigators responded to the Thumbs Up Bar near 620 South Lake Street in Gary, where they found Robert Gaskin Jr. lying lifeless in the street near Old Miller Road and Lake Street. A preliminary autopsy from the Lake County Coroner’s Office determined Gaskin died from three gunshot wounds and ruled the death a homicide .
Police at the scene detained 32-year-old Darren Michael Bryant Jr., who allegedly made several spontaneous statements claiming he was the shooter. Investigators documented that Bryant told them people were trying to kill him because he had farted inside a liquor store, and that the incident had escalated from there .
Witness Accounts
One witness told detectives he was inside the tavern when Gaskin entered, greeting patrons. He said Gaskin attempted to shake hands and hug Bryant, but instead Bryant turned around and shot him before fleeing .
Another witness said he was playing guitar at the tavern when Bryant entered with a gun. The witness reported hearing three gunshots and saw Gaskin struck. He said Bryant then tripped and fled toward the back of the bar. The witness later identified Bryant from a six-person photo lineup as the shooter .
Suspect Statement
Detectives interviewed Bryant after advising him of his rights. Bryant admitted to being at the tavern and acknowledged carrying a .357 magnum revolver. He said the conflict started earlier that day when he was kicked out of a liquor store after farting, but later returned to apologize. He claimed he was frightened and went to Thumbs Up Tavern to wait for a ride.
Bryant told detectives that when Gaskin approached him and said, “your face is familiar,” he pulled out his handgun and fired, despite Gaskin not making any threats toward him. He admitted to fleeing into nearby woods, where he said he lost his pants in a swamp and left the revolver behind. When arrested, Bryant was reportedly wearing only boxers and socks, with dirt on his hands and fingernails. Law enforcement has not yet recovered the weapon or clothing .
Charges
Bryant has been formally charged in Lake Superior Court with:
• Murder (filed on August 21, 2025)
He is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
