Update From Merrillville Police On Hampton Inn Homicide
Merrillville Police held a press conference at 9am Tuesday in regards to the death of Betty Claudio, 44, of Merrillville. Police were called to the Hampton Inn at 12:40 Sunday for an unresponsive female found by housekeeping. Detective Aaron Ridgway of the Merrillville Police stated that Claudio was strangled to the death inside the hotel room that she checked into Friday.
Police learned through credible sources that she was in a relationship with Keenan McCain who was also wanted on a warrant out of Marion County, Indiana for strangulation in a separate incident. Police received numerous tips on the whereabouts of McCain and went go speak to him about this homicide. McCain was found at the Westbrook apartment complex but refused to exit out the apartment at 2400 Waverly in Gary and made it known he was carrying a firearm in his waistband. At that time Merrillville Police asked for Gary SWAT assistance leading to the standoff and shooting Monday of the Gary Officers and suspect death. This is not believed to be McCains residence but possibly an attempt to hide there at an acquaintances house who was also arrested on an unrelated warrant.
Merrillville Police are still looking for the victims 2000 Silver Buick Century they stated Tuesday. Anyone with information on this vehicle is asked to contact the Merrillville Police.
UPDATE – Merrillville Police are confirming the 2000 Silver Buick Century belonging to Betty Claudio who was murdered Sunday in the Hampton Inn has been located in Gary, Commander Jeff Rice of The Merrillville Police said. Police are not revealing the location of where it was found at this time, Rice stated. Police believed there may be some evidence in the vehicle and was big part of closing this case all the way around.
