A Neighbor Charged with Ambushing and Shooting Couple, Killing Woman
A shocking incident recently took place in Gary, Indiana, where a neighbor has been charged with ambushing and shooting a couple inside an apartment building, resulting in the death of the woman involved. According to a criminal affidavit, Thomas Starks, a 20-year-old resident of Gary and Chicago, has been charged with various offenses including murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and burglary.
The incident occurred on the night of August 8 when the Gary Police received a distress call reporting shots fired at an apartment building on Clark Road. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Kajah Wilson, a 27-year-old woman, dead. The county coroner determined that she had been shot seven times.
The couple had been returning from a visit to Buffalo Wild Wings when a gunman, believed to be Starks, ambushed them from above. The male victim, who was shot in the hand, informed the police that they had been facing difficulties with their upstairs neighbors, which prompted both Wilson and him to carry firearms inside their apartment.
Investigators discovered that Starks and another woman, who has not been charged in the shooting, were captured on camera burglarizing the victims’ apartment. Moreover, packages had been reported missing, indicating a prior incident. Wilson had confronted the female suspect’s mother, escalating the ongoing issues between the two parties.
Surveillance footage from the apartment building revealed a man and woman with distinctive orange hair rummaging through the victims’ unit. The man, wearing a face mask, Nike sweatshirt, and dark pants, was holding a gun with a purple glove on his left hand. Strangely, the external camera did not capture their entry into the building, leading authorities to believe that they may have been residents.
On the night of the shooting, the building’s cameras recorded the victims entering the premises while armed with two guns. Tragically, Wilson fell down, striking the front door’s glass. The alleged shooter, also wearing a glove and holding the gun with his left hand, immediately fled towards the back of the building. Strikingly, no one entered the building for at least two hours before the incident.
The male victim, injured in the hip and ankle, underwent surgery to repair two fingers. He is expected to suffer permanent damage to his hand. Investigators were able to trace one of the stolen items, an iPad, which had been pawned by Starks himself.
This shocking incident has left the community in disbelief and raises concerns about the safety and security of residents. As Thomas Starks awaits his next court appearance on December 6, local authorities are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and ensure the safety of the community.
The tragic loss of Kajah Wilson serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong and harmonious relationships with neighbors. It is essential for individuals to address any conflicts or issues peacefully and seek assistance from authorities if necessary. The incident also underscores the significance of effective surveillance systems to deter criminal activities and provide crucial evidence for investigations.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the loved ones of Kajah Wilson during this difficult time. The judicial process will determine the outcome of this devastating incident, bringing closure to those affected by this tragic event.
