Homicide suspects in custody; charges pending

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By Lois Tomaszewski
Staff Writer

Published: Saturday, September 15, 2012 5:06 PM CDT

MICHIGAN CITY — Two adults and a teenager are in police custody, pending the outcome of a probable cause hearing which is expected to result in the suspects being charged with murder and robbery in connection with the Thursday night shooting death of 16-year-old Isiah Wright, a junior at Michigan City High School.

Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek has not identified the suspects. He said a probable cause hearing is tentatively set for the weekend. Two adults, a male and a female, and the male teenager were taken into custody Friday morning, within eight hours of the 10 p.m. shooting.

According to police reports, officers responded to the area near 1201 E. Michigan Blvd. after receiving multiple calls of shots being fired. Responding were patrol officers, traffic division officers, detectives from the street crimes unit and multiple off-duty officers who were preparing to report for duty on the midnight shift.

It was one of these off duty officers, Michael King, who found the victim, unconscious and unresponsive, on the ground in the immediate area of shooting. It was determined that Wright had been shot. Swistek said EMS was called to the scene and began to render assistance.

 Wright was taken to Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Michigan City at about 10:30 p.m. and was pronounced deceased by the La Porte County coroner at 10:50 p.m. A forensic autopsy was scheduled for late Friday at the St. Joseph's Medical Center in Mishawaka, Ind.

"We have lost a youth to gun violence," Swistek said, "but I am elated that investigation efforts have resulted in the apprehension of three individuals for this crime."

Swistek said the crime was not a random act, but was perpetrated by individuals who knew each other.

The investigation is continuing. Additional witnesses are expected to be interviewed and anyone who may have information is asked to contact Street Crimes Unit lead detective Marty Corley at 219-874-3221 x. 321 or via e-mail to: mcorley@emichigancity.com. Additional charges may be levied as a result of this continued investigation.

Swistek praised the efforts of the Street Crimes team, headed by Corley, the cooperation and assistance of interim district attorney Rob Neary, and Judge Richard Stalbrink Jr., who issued a search warrant to police which "aided in the recovery of evidence" in the case. Also assisting was La Porte County Sheriff detective Andrew Hynek, who helped in the investigation while off duty. Swistek said others deserving praise include the police chaplains who assisted in the notification of Wright's family.

"We had very little evidence to go on in the beginning," Swistek said. "These efforts helped us build a case which led to the identification of the suspects. All who are believed to be responsible for this tragic event are in police custody at this time."

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