Gary man on trial for road rage slaying in April 2024

Chicago Tribune

12-05-2025

Jurors heard testimony Monday on the aftermath of a minor car crash that led to Kylin Bursey's death.
Billy Cross Jr., 47, of Gary, is charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, operating a loaded machine gun, and possession of a machine gun.
Authorities allege his wife Angelia Cross hit Bursey's vehicle near 4th Avenue and Adams Street. They traded words. Later, she called Billy Cross where he fatally shot Bursey on the 4100 block of W. 23rd Avenue. Bursey, 33, of Gary, was fatally shot on April 30, 2024, at least six times in the head, neck and back, records show. He was transported to Methodist Northlake in Gary where he was pronounced dead.
It was a 'three-part tragedy,' Deputy Prosecutor Brad Carter said in opening statements. After the fender bender, Billy Cross went on a 'hunting expedition' and killed him, he alleged.
An eight-second home security camera from across the street captured the shooting.
Defense lawyer Mark Gruenhagen told jurors he believed there was more to the story; it was a 'clear case of self-defense,' he said. At least one witness – Bursey's friend there to install car speakers – said Bursey had guns, the lawyer said.
It was a 'pure coincidence' that Angelia and Billy Cross – headed to her dad's house – ran into Bursey and his family on 23rd Avenue, he argued.
As Bursey walked away from the confrontation with Billy Cross, Bursey reached to his waistband, the lawyer said. Cross feared for his life.
It was a 'quick draw contest,' Gruenhagen said.
Crying as prosecutors played the shooting video, Bursey's girlfriend Shawntel Rice – there for both events – strongly denied he was armed when pressed by Gruenhagen on cross-examination. She denied reaching into his waistband afterward to hide a gun in their vehicle.
Bursey was the biological father to two kids, and a surrogate father to her other three. After her testimony, she told reporters Bursey was killed the day before their son's first birthday.
After the crash, they went instead to 23rd Avenue where they were supposed to have a play date with a friend's kids. She was in a passenger seat, putting her young daughter's hair in a ponytail when the Cross' arrived. Her five kids – all under 10 – were in the vehicle.
A detective responded at 5:45 p.m. where police found a red Chevrolet Tahoe with two bullet holes, parked in front of a house. Fourteen bullet casings and blood were on the street. No guns were recovered.
Security footage showed Bursey standing near the back of his red Chevrolet Tahoe on West 23rd Avenue with four people — three men and a woman. A red vehicle pulls and parks, and then a dark GMC Envoy parks behind it. Cross and a woman in a pink tank top get out.
'Right here, with the hat,' Cross' wife appears to say, pointing at Bursey.
'Who said they were going to beat my wife,' Cross demands.
Bursey appeared to walk away.
'Don't move, don't move,' Cross says.
Cross appears to raise his arm and fire at Bursey, who fell down.
The detective alleged Cross' handgun was likely modified with a switch to fire 15 bullets in one second. Bursey did not appear to be armed.
The crash was caught on camera around 3:39 p.m. near 4th and Connecticut St. where Cross' wife — in the GMC — hit Bursey's vehicle, documents state. He got out to get her insurance information and license plate number. They ended up arguing about who caused the accident.
'He's going to hit me…hurry up and get here,' witnesses said Cross' wife yelled.
Bursey, with a man and woman in his car, moved to a bus lot, then to the 4100 block of W. 23rd Avenue. Cross' wife was 'going to call her people,' one witness told police.
The couple followed them there, police alleged.
Angelia Cross was charged in October. Her case is pending.