Valpo Homicide Case Coming To A Close With Charges Pressed
The Valparaiso Police Department investigation into the January 29, 2020 homicide, that occurred in the 700 block of Elm St., is coming to a close. The nearly six month investigation has been a collaborative effort between the Valparaiso Police Department, the Porter County Sheriffs Department and the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by the Porter County Coroner’s Office, the Indiana State Police, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. All individuals associated with this incident are innocent until proven guilty. The following is a brief detailing of the alleged events that were discovered as part of this investigation.
The investigation revealed this incident began between persons known to each other, with a shared history of dealing drugs. It was also learned that John L. Williams planned a robbery and arrived at the home with Travis Thompson, under the premise they were there to purchase drugs. Thompson accompanied Williams to the residence with a full understanding of what was to transpire. Upon arrival, both men, reportedly, physically attacked their intended target, who defended himself, with actions that resulted in the death of Thompson. Williams then fled the residence with items taken from the intended target, leaving Thompson behind. The residence was found to contain evidence of drug distribution occurring from within the home, as well as evidence of the events that transpired during this incident.
The following charges have been filed against Williams (Habitual Offender Enhancement applied), who is incarcerated at the Porter County Jail on an unrelated incident: Murder in Perpetration of a Robbery, Robbery (3 counts), Attempted Robbery (3 counts), Aggravated Battery, and Battery.
Drug related charges against the intended target, whose identity cannot be released due to Indiana statute, have been forwarded to the Prosecutor for review.
