Gary Woman Charged in Connection to Cover-Up of Homicide, Arson Attempt
A Gary woman has been formally charged for her alleged role in the cover-up of a homicide and an attempted arson at a local apartment complex following the 2024 murder of Jimmijion Tushawn Bailey.
Betty Ann Tomlinson, 50, is facing felony charges of Assisting a Criminal, Arson, and Conspiracy to Commit Arson in connection with Bailey’s death, according to court documents filed in Lake County.
Bailey was reported missing on October 6, 2024. His vehicle was soon discovered abandoned near 9th Avenue and Roosevelt Street in Gary. Days later, his body—bound with black tape, decapitated, and left in a ditch—was found in the 2300 block of Clay Street. Disposable gloves were also located near the body.
Investigators believe Bailey was shot inside a unit at the Woodlake Village Apartments. The apartment showed evidence of a violent encounter, with significant blood stains on the mattress and headboard and a strong odor of lighter fluid throughout the unit. Detectives say an attempt was made to destroy the crime scene by fire, though the blaze self-extinguished.
Surveillance footage captured Betty Tomlinson purchasing black duct tape, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, gloves, and cleaning supplies from a Walgreens in Portage around 2:28 a.m. on October 6. Hours later, she was seen at a Citgo gas station in Gary buying two bottles of lighter fluid and a lighter, appearing to use a rag to avoid leaving fingerprints. The same brand of lighter fluid was later discovered in the apartment.
License plate reader data and surveillance video confirmed Tomlinson’s vehicle returned to Woodlake Village shortly after the purchases.
Tomlinson was lodged in the Lake County Jail on July 9, 2025, and later posted a $4,445 cash bond.
Charges Filed Against Betty Ann Tomlinson – Filed July 10, 2025:
• Arson – Level 4 Felony
• Conspiracy to Commit Arson – Level 4 Felony
• Assisting a Criminal – Level 5 Felony
Co-Defendant:
Ralph Garcia Stokes II, 24, of Gary, has been charged with Murder in connection with Bailey’s death. He remains lodged in the Lake County Jail.
