Montelle D. Lang Obituary, Death – A second victim in a deadly shooting incident that occurred early Sunday in Hammond has now been identified. Authorities confirmed that 29-year-old Montelle D. Lang, a resident of Chicago, was one of two men who lost their lives in what police are investigating as a double homicide.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, the incident unfolded in the early hours of May 18. Officials were dispatched just before 4:30 a.m. to the 500 block of Michigan Street in Hammond, Indiana. Upon arrival, officers and medical personnel found two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
The other victim in the tragic shooting was previously identified as 23-year-old Gary Shanklin. He was a resident of the 4800 block of Walsh Avenue in East Chicago. Authorities confirmed that Shanklin was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:22 a.m.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office has ruled both deaths as homicides, indicating the victims died as a result of gunshot injuries inflicted by another person. Specific details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting, including what may have led up to it or who may have been involved, have not been released to the public at this time.
Police have not indicated whether they have any suspects in custody or identified any persons of interest in connection to the shootings. It remains unclear if the two men knew each other, or if they were specifically targeted.
The deadly event adds to the growing number of violent crimes in the region that have left community members alarmed and grieving. Both Hammond and East Chicago have seen an uptick in gun-related incidents, and this latest double homicide has only deepened concerns about public safety.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have information related to the shooting to come forward. Witnesses, residents of the area, or anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious around the time of the incident are being asked to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The Hammond Police Department has provided a dedicated contact number for tips and information: 219-853-6490. They emphasize that any piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help lead to answers and accountability.
Meanwhile, the families of Lang and Shanklin are now left to mourn the sudden and violent loss of their loved ones. No details have been released about funeral arrangements or tributes as of yet.
This incident marks a somber reminder of the toll that gun violence continues to take on families and neighborhoods throughout Northwest Indiana and nearby urban areas. It has also renewed calls from some community members and advocacy groups for increased investment in violence prevention programs, community policing, and support services for at-risk youth.
As the investigation moves forward, both the Hammond Police Department and Lake County authorities are expected to release further details once they become available. Autopsy results, forensic analysis, and interviews with potential witnesses could provide more insight into what transpired in the early morning hours on Michigan Street.
At this point, authorities have not shared whether there is any surveillance footage from the area that might aid the investigation, nor have they commented on whether the incident occurred inside a residence, on the street, or under other circumstances.
The loss of both Montelle D. Lang and Gary Shanklin highlights the continued impact of gun violence not only on the victims and their immediate families, but on the broader communities in which they lived. As friends, relatives, and neighbors seek answers, the search for justice continues.
Authorities hope that community cooperation will help bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence in the region. Until then, police continue to ask for the public’s help in solving this tragic crime.