Related Federal Cases
- KC Criminal Crater Jailed for Stealing Murder Victim’s Pistol · Kansas
- Latin Kings Racketeering: 11 Added to Indiana Indictment · Indiana
- Indictment: ‘2500’ Gang Members Hit with Racketeering Charges · Indiana
- “Sporty” & “Fatboy” Lead 18th Street Gang Drug & Gun Bust · Hawaii
- Fort Wayne Meth King Gets 20 Years · Indiana
Latin King Charged with Murder Over Gang Rivalry
HAMMOND, Indiana – A shocking act of violence has left one dead and another behind bars. Nicholas Baez, a 22-year-old member of the Latin Kings, has been charged with murder after allegedly firing five rounds into Estrella’s bar, killing one of the patrons.
According to documents filed in the case, the shooting occurred in response to rival gang members being seen in the bar and to prevent rival gangs from encroaching on Latin Kings territory. Baez, also known as ‘Cali’, faces serious charges and a potentially lengthy sentence if convicted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department, and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents all contributed to the investigation that led to Baez’s arrest.
Assistant United States Attorneys David Nozick and Dean Lanter are handling the case, which is part of the ongoing efforts to curb the activities of violent street gangs in the Northern District of Indiana.
The case is still in its early stages, and Baez has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he faces a potentially lengthy sentence, with the exact duration to be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The community is still reeling from the violence, and many are calling for action to be taken to address the issue of gang violence in the area.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
