As the Gary police continue investigating a local woman’s death, the city’s mayor is urging anyone with information to step forward.
“Every life in the city is precious,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “When violence claims a life, we all take it personal.”
At a Monday news conference, Melton was one public official asking for help in the investigation into the Friday death of Kia Tidwell, 42. The Portage woman died near 5th Avenue and Grant Street in Gary.
Tidwell died from a gunshot wound to the head and her death was ruled a homicide, according to a release from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon and Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter also asked for the public’s help in the investigation.
At about 8:03 p.m. Friday, police were called to the McDonald’s on Grant Street, Cannon said. While officers were speaking with management at the scene, they saw people across the street and heard gunshots, causing them to take cover.
Officers discovered a vehicle passing the location and it drove off the road and struck a tree. The victim, later identified as Tidwell, died at the scene.
“We have been intentional, and we’re asking the public to join in our efforts,” Cannon said. “There were multiple people there who witnessed this incident, and we’re asking the public to respond to this senseless and terrible act.”
Tidwell’s death is a loss for the city, Melton said, and the investigation will use all available resources. He added that Gary is no place for violence and he won’t let it define the community.
“I’ve been in office for about nine months,” Melton said. “Enough is enough. This is a call to action for the community to step forward.”
Since the investigation is ongoing, Carter said he’s limited in what information he can provide but he said prosecutors are doing what they can to bring justice.
To get answers for Tidwell’s death, Carter said agencies need community support. He also urged people to stop those they love from committing crimes before it happens.
Several people know what happened and Carter said it’s crucial for them to step forward.
“It hurts the entire community,” he said. “We don’t want (violence) in our community. We don’t want people like that in our community.”
Kia Tidwell’s mom, Charlotte Tidwell, thanked the police and other agencies for their help in the investigation. At Monday’s event, she said the investigation is not the end of Kia Tidwell’s story.
LaSonnye McNeil, Kia Tidwell’s aunt, said her niece was full of life and “an awesome mother” to her six children. While Kia Tidwell’s address was in Portage, her family said she grew up in Gary and loved the community.
McNeil called her niece’s death senseless and unnecessary.
Kia Tidwell’s sister, Isley Tidwell, said the city’s support means a lot to her family.
Isley Tidwell is a teacher and she hears stories like her sister’s but didn’t think it would happen to her family.
Her family is close-knit, Isley Tidwell said, and they are going to continue fighting for answers. She believes the community and local agencies will bring them closer to answers.
“We believe in Gary,” Isley Tidwell said. “The beauty of Gary is the brotherhood, the sisterhood and the history.”
Vashti Tidwell Feagin, Kia Tidwell’s sister, said she’s thankful the city is helping her family so much, and she believes Monday was a call to action for the community.
“If this is what it takes to turn this around, so be it,” Tidwell Feagin said. “She’s in a better place. We didn’t want her to go, but she’s in a better place.”
Anyone with information about Kia Tidwell’s death can call Detective Roger Escutia at 219-755-3855 or send an email to rescutia@isp.in.gov. They can also anonymously text 219-207-8477, and email videos to garypdrtcc@gary.gov.
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
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