Juvenile Charged As An Adult In EC Murder Friday
On March 14, 2025, at approximately 11:16 AM, East Chicago Police Officers responded to 3701 Dahlia Street in reference to shots fired. Shot Spotter alerted to 8 rounds being fired in the area, according to a press release.
Officers responded to the scene and began a search for evidence. While searching the area, officers located a male victim down in the area of 3804 Erie Ct. and Commonwealth. The 17 year old male victim was unresponsive and pronounced deceased on scene by responding medics.
The Lake County Coroner identified the victim as Justin Charleston, 17, of East Chicago.
On March 15, 2025, Detectives from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force filed charges on a 16-year-old juvenile for the murder of Charleston. The juvenile suspect turned himself in to Detectives with his attorney.
According to court documents, the suspect arrested and identified as: Ke’lydn D. Rancifer, age 16. Rancifer has been charged as an adult.
Rancifer has been charged with:
Murder
Attempted Murder: F1 Felony
Dangerous Possession of a Firearm – Child possess a firearm for any purpose: Class A Misdemeanor
RNS did speak with East Chicago Police Chief Jose Rivera and he noted that this is the 2nd homicide for EC this year, and both cases have been closed and suspects charged. Rivera added, “Great job to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, our Uniform Patrol Division, C.S.I., Gang and Narcotics Division and Criminal Investigation Division for all their hard work in getting this case closed in less than 24 hours.”
