Two young Hammond men were killed in a shooting in the north alley of the 800 block of Truman Street on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Hammond police said a man was in custody and the investigation remained ongoing.
What was reported
ABC7 Chicago reported[1] that police identified one of the men as Elijah Higgins, 19, of Hammond. The second man, 18, also of Hammond, had not been named pending notification of his family.
Region News Source reported[2] that both men died of gunshot wounds. ABC7 Chicago reported that police described the shooting as isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public. The name of the man in custody and any charges had not been released as of ABC7 Chicago's October 5 report.
What families can do next
A shooting is not an accident, but families who lose someone to violence face practical questions while a criminal case moves forward. A victim advocate through the prosecutor's office can explain hearings, charges, and the family's rights during the criminal case.
Keep funeral costs, medical bills, correspondence, and other records together. Indiana's crime victim compensation program may help with certain costs for victims of violent crime and their families. Information about organizing documents for a legal consultation is available in the firm's guide on what to bring to a first personal injury consultation.
A criminal prosecution and a civil claim are separate. A criminal case may result in restitution, but it does not necessarily provide full compensation for a family's loss. Families can review the role of a civil claim on the firm's wrongful death attorney page.
Why location and deadlines matter
This shooting happened in a residential alley in Hammond, in Lake County, and the Hammond Police Department is investigating. A civil case would ordinarily be filed in Lake County or where a defendant lives.
Claims for a death in Indiana are governed by the wrongful death statute, Ind. Code 34-23-1-1, which sets who may bring a claim and generally requires it to be filed within two years. Indiana's general two-year deadline for injury claims is in Ind. Code 34-11-2-4. The firm's explanation of Indiana wrongful death filing deadlines provides additional general information.
A civil claim after a shooting is usually against the person responsible. Nothing reported so far suggests that any other party bears responsibility, and this article does not suggest otherwise.
How Delventhal Law Office can help
Delventhal Law Office handles wrongful death and serious injury claims in Indiana. Attorney Chad Delventhal can explain how a civil claim relates to a criminal case and which deadlines may apply. The office is based in Fort Wayne and serves clients throughout Indiana. No outcome can be promised in any case.
The firm offers a free case evaluation for families who want to discuss their circumstances.
This post is based on public reporting, the investigation may be ongoing, and nothing here is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship.
