Merrillville Man Faces Reckless Homicide Charge in New Chicago Shooting
New Chicago- A 20-year-old Merrillville man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred inside a trailer in the 500 block of East 37th Avenue in New Chicago, Lake County.
According to court documents, officers from New Chicago, Lake Station, and Hobart responded around 9:27 p.m. on October 28, 2024, to a report of a gunshot victim. Police detained Jonas Luke Gibson at the scene and located 43-year-old William McNitt inside the trailer suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving measures, McNitt was later pronounced dead at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart.
Investigators detailed that a dispute had unfolded inside the residence involving Gibson and McNitt. Witness statements and physical evidence indicated that the argument escalated, leading to McNitt being shot in the abdomen. Gibson was taken into custody at the scene.
An autopsy determined that William McNitt died from a gunshot wound to the torso. His death was ruled a homicide by the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Charges filed September 30,2025:
• Reckless Homicide (F5)
• Pointing a Firearm at Another (F6)
Gibson was lodged in the Lake County Jail on October 1, 2025.
