Teen charged with murder of boy shot to death while selling Xbox
Murder charges were filed Friday against a Gary teen in the shooting death of a 16-year-old trying to sell his gaming console.
The Lake County Sheriff ’s Department filed charges against Garry Lee Higgins, 17, in the June 12 death of Johnny Peluyera, Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said in a release Friday evening. Hi g g i n s wa s charged with murder; murder in the perpetration of a robbery; attempted robbery resulting in seriously bodily injury, a level two felony; and attempted armed robbery, a level three felony, according to the release.
Hi g g i n s h a s b e e n charged as an adult in the incident, Martinez said in the release.
Higgins and an 18-yearold Crown Point man were arrested at their homes in connection with the death as part of a tactical unit operation that took place Wednesday, Martinez said previously. The 18-year-old was released from custody Friday, according to Sheriff ’s spokeswoman Pam Jones.
“This is a crime that touched the hearts of residents here in Lake County and surrounding areas, and also across the country,” said Martinez in the release. “It is my hope that the diligence of those who have worked on this case sends a message that the law enforcement family stands strong against the violence that threatens to destroy the peace our residents seek in their communities.”
Johnny Peluyera, 16 and of Merrillville, died June 12 near 51st Avenue and Maryland Street, police said. His father, John Peluyera, drove him to the city’s Glen Park section so he could sell an Xbox game to an online buyer.
The boy had been looking to sell his Xbox to get a new iPhone, his u n c l e, Jo e Bernacet, said previously. The seller asked him to deliver it, he said.
His dad took the teen after coming home from work at Albanese Candy, relatives said. Higgins and the other man wanted to test it, Bernacet said, and the Peluyeras ended up taking it to two houses. As the teen was outside the vehicle with the Xbox, the dad spotted a gun, Bernacet said he told him.
Police found the boy shot in the back in the passenger seat of the car just after 6 p.m., a release from the police said. The coroner’s office pronounced the teen dead at the scene about 6:50 p.m.
Johnny Peluyera was described as a jokester who loved to prank his friends and family. He was an avid gamer who loved Fortnite, Rocket League, basketball and Pontiac Trans Ams, an interest passed down from his dad.
Martinez thanked the Lake County Metro Homicide Unit, Lake County Sheriff ’s Department Tactical Unit and Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on the case.