On 10/26/23, at approximately 9:12pm, the Raven Gunshot Detection system issued an alert regarding multiple gunshots being fired in the 200 block of Calumet Avenue. Moments later, the LaPorte County 911 Regional Dispatch Center began receiving calls indicating a person had been shot at 201 Calumet. Officers from
Uniform Shift II and the Trail Creek Police Department immediately responded to the scene as did the Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County Emergency Medical Services.
The responding Officers were directed to an SUV which was parked in front of the residence. It was determined two people had been shot while they were sitting inside. Susan Simmons (58) was found deceased in the front passenger seat. Susan’s husband, Thomas Simmons (60), sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Mr. Simmons was transported by EMS to Franciscan Hospital for medical treatment. His wounds are non-life threatening.
The scene was secured, witnesses were interviewed, and Detectives from the Investigative Division soon arrived to take over. The initial investigation determined that while Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were inside their vehicle, David “DJ” Wilson Jr. arrived at the residence. Mr. Wilson Jr. exited his vehicle and fired multiple gunshots into the SUV before driving away. Mr. Wilson Jr. was taken into custody a short while later in the 3200 block of Dody Avenue after crashing the vehicle he was driving. A stolen handgun was recovered during
the arrest and the vehicle Mr. Wilson Jr. was driving had also been reported stolen.
This case was presented to LaPorte County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Charles Watterson, for review. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Watterson then presented this case to the Honorable Superior Court 1 Judge, Jaimie Oss, for the filing of criminal charges against David Wilson Jr. Judge Oss determined that probable cause existed and Mr. Wilson Jr. was formally charged with Murder, Attempted Murder (Level 1 Felony), Aggravated Battery (Level 3 Felony), Criminal Confinement (Level 3 Felony), Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Level 4 Felony), Criminal Recklessness (Level 5 Felony). Theft of a Firearm (Level 5 Felony), Auto Theft (Level 6 Felony) and Driving While Suspended (A-Misdemeanor). Mr. Wilson Jr. is being held without bond pending a future court hearing.
This case was assigned to Det./Cpl. Mark Galetti of the Investigative Division. The Michigan City Police Department would ask that anyone with information about this case to please contact Cpl. Galetti at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1088 or by email at mgaletti@emichigancity.com. We would also like to remind the public that you
1201 East Michigan Boulevard ● Michigan City, Indiana 46360 ● (219) 874-3221 The mission for every member of this agency is to consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote,
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PRESS RELEASE
Michigan City Police Department
Chief Steve Forker
Assistant Chief Marty Corley & Assistant Chief David Cooney
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