Latest news with #LakeCountyProsecutor'sOffice
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Molley Lanham's light continues to shine as second sister takes job as deputy prosecutor
They were tight growing up, the Lanham sisters. Separated by two-year increments, Lauren, the oldest, always looked out for middle sister Lindsey and Molley, the youngest, who tagged along with her older siblings wherever they went. Molley, then 19, was brutally murdered in rural Hebron six years ago with boyfriend Thomas Grill Jr., 18, when they met up with Conner Kerner of Valparaiso, then 17, for a drug deal that went awry. Grill, from Cedar Lake, and Molley were 2018 graduates of Hanover Central High School. Sitting through Kerner's trial and that of his co-defendant, John Silva II, would inevitably change the course of Lauren's and Lindsey's lives — it would be impossible for the tragedy of their sister's death, compounded by reliving that horror in grim detail in court, not too. Lindsey and Lauren, who live in St. John, had both considered legal careers before Molley was murdered. Lindsey was in law school during the trial and, after a hung jury failed to convict Silva, who later entered a guilty plea, she decided to switch her focus from corporate governance to criminal law. She has been a Lake County deputy prosecutor for more than two years and now, she's working alongside her older sister. Lauren passed the bar on Feb. 25, the sixth anniversary of Molley's death, and was sworn in as a Lake County deputy prosecutor last week. 'Molley's death and murder is the whole reason I'm here,' said Lauren, 29, sitting in a conference room in the Lake County Prosecutor's Office. Lauren wanted to go to law school before her sister, Lindsey said. 'When she came to this office, I think I was talking so much about work' that it inspired Lauren, Lindsey said. The work, Lindsey said, allows her and her sister to form relationships with people facing what they have been through. 'When she decided, I was excited about it and a little nervous,' Lindsey said, adding she's looking forward to 'Lanham and Lanham' prosecuting a case someday. With an interest in civil law, including divorces and adoptions, Lauren figured she would stay on that side of the legal world. She was impressed by 'a wonderful team' of Porter County prosecutors who handled the murder case. There is a stigma around murder victims. 'It's such a taboo subject,' Lauren said. 'I never felt that with Porter County. They treated Molley and Thomas with such dignity. For Lindsey and I both, it was wanting to do that for someone else.' Lauren graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington in 2018 and took a few years off as she decided what she wanted to do. She worked for a country club in Flossmoor, Illinois, but got laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic a year after Molley was murdered. She worked as a personal assistant for a woman in Chicago who became a mentor during tumultuous times. 'She helped me take all these big emotions and find what would be a meaningful career,' Lauren said. The woman also helped establish the Molley Lanham Foundation, run by the Lanham sisters' mother, Stacy Spejewski. The foundation provides support for the families of homicide victims, and to the victims' assistance programs in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, Lauren said. The foundation also partnered with the Porter County Prosecutor's Office for a suite for crime victims and their families at the Porter County Courthouse. The suite offers a main space, soft interview room, family grieving room, and comfort rooms offering victims a place to rest between court sessions or to meet with prosecutors. The pandemic delayed Kerner's trial, Lauren said, and in the meantime, she signed up to take the Law School Admission Test. Because of the trial delays, her test date fell during the murder trial. 'It all worked out how it was supposed to, and I took the bar exam in February on the anniversary of Molley's passing,' she said. 'I don't know if I believed that stuff before but for those big moments, she's definitely around.' Lauren decided to go to law school in March 2020 and graduated from Indiana University's McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. As kids, Lauren, Lindsey and Molley were 'very, very close,' Lauren said. 'I always felt like sisterhood was important to me and being the oldest, I always felt kind of protective,' she said. 'And we were so close in age, we had a lot of the same friends.' The trio was known as 'the Lanham girls,' she said. 'We were always a package deal.' Their mom often dressed them in matching clothes, which they griped about when they were younger, but now Lauren said she and Lindsey show up in similar outfits at least once a week. Additionally, they borrow each other's clothes, providing entertaining fodder for their coworkers. Lauren and Lindsey following the same career path in the same office, then, isn't that much of a stretch, though Lauren said they didn't expect to work together. 'I think it's funny because before Molley's passing, we both wanted to go to law school but we weren't sure what we would do with it,' Lauren said. Sitting through the trials for Kerner and Silva, the sisters felt a strong connection to Molley. 'It puts some perspective on things,' Lauren said, about what a victim's family goes through. Lauren is eager to get started in the prosecutor's office, work she said 'you have to be passionate about,' and can see herself working there for a long time. The sisters' mom sometimes pops in when one of her daughters is prosecuting a case, Lindsey said. 'I think Mom loves it. She's proud,' Lindsey said. Lauren said the work of her and her sister gives their mother inspiration about how to connect with people through the Molley Lanham Foundation. That furthers a sense of community for the families of homicide victims, Lindsey said. 'Prior to losing Molley, I had never been in any situation like this and I wasn't aware that it was going on around me,' Lindsey said, adding her job is 'almost like exposure therapy,' helping others navigate what she's been through. 'And we're honoring Molley's life and legacy. It was such a short life lived,' Lauren said, adding she and her sister have empathy to help others. 'If this is a way to continue that legacy, it doesn't bring closure but it keeps Molley's light shining bright.' Molley, Lindsey said, was always known to give people second and third chances. 'That's something I try to remember with my victims,' she said. 'She's constantly in this job, every single day.' Kerner, 24, of Valparaiso, was initially sentenced to 179 years in prison for the murders of Molley and Grill after a jury found him guilty of two counts of murder, one count of robbery causing serious bodily injury, and one arson count. The Indiana Court of Appeals trimmed 25 years off his sentence. His earliest release date, according to the Indiana Department of Correction website, is Aug. 31, 2134. He is incarcerated at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility just south of Terre Haute. The criminal trial for co-defendant John Silva II of Hamlet ended in a hung jury in June 2021. Now 24, Silva pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, attempted robbery and welfare fraud. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 10 years on probation. His earliest release date, according to online records from IDOC, is Nov. 22, 2037. Silva is housed at the Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton. alavalley@
Chicago Tribune
25-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Molley Lanham's light continues to shine as second sister takes job as deputy prosecutor
They were tight growing up, the Lanham sisters. Separated by two-year increments, Lauren, the oldest, always looked out for middle sister Lindsey and Molley, the youngest, who tagged along with her older siblings wherever they went. Molley, then 19, was brutally murdered in rural Hebron six years ago with boyfriend Thomas Grill Jr., 18, when they met up with Conner Kerner of Valparaiso, then 17, for a drug deal that went awry. Grill, from Cedar Lake, and Molley were 2018 graduates of Hanover Central High School. Sitting through Kerner's trial and that of his co-defendant, John Silva II, would inevitably change the course of Lauren's and Lindsey's lives — it would be impossible for the tragedy of their sister's death, compounded by reliving that horror in grim detail in court, not too. Lindsey and Lauren, who live in St. John, had both considered legal careers before Molley was murdered. Lindsey was in law school during the trial and, after a hung jury failed to convict Silva, who later entered a guilty plea, she decided to switch her focus from corporate governance to criminal law. She has been a Lake County deputy prosecutor for more than two years and now, she's working alongside her older sister. Lauren passed the bar on Feb. 25, the sixth anniversary of Molley's death, and was sworn in as a Lake County deputy prosecutor last week. 'Molley's death and murder is the whole reason I'm here,' said Lauren, 29, sitting in a conference room in the Lake County Prosecutor's Office. Lauren wanted to go to law school before her sister, Lindsey said. 'When she came to this office, I think I was talking so much about work' that it inspired Lauren, Lindsey said. The work, Lindsey said, allows her and her sister to form relationships with people facing what they have been through. 'When she decided, I was excited about it and a little nervous,' Lindsey said, adding she's looking forward to 'Lanham and Lanham' prosecuting a case someday. With an interest in civil law, including divorces and adoptions, Lauren figured she would stay on that side of the legal world. She was impressed by 'a wonderful team' of Porter County prosecutors who handled the murder case. There is a stigma around murder victims. 'It's such a taboo subject,' Lauren said. 'I never felt that with Porter County. They treated Molley and Thomas with such dignity. For Lindsey and I both, it was wanting to do that for someone else.' Lauren graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington in 2018 and took a few years off as she decided what she wanted to do. She worked for a country club in Flossmoor, Illinois, but got laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic a year after Molley was murdered. She worked as a personal assistant for a woman in Chicago who became a mentor during tumultuous times. 'She helped me take all these big emotions and find what would be a meaningful career,' Lauren said. The woman also helped establish the Molley Lanham Foundation, run by the Lanham sisters' mother, Stacy Spejewski. The foundation provides support for the families of homicide victims, and to the victims' assistance programs in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, Lauren said. The foundation also partnered with the Porter County Prosecutor's Office for a suite for crime victims and their families at the Porter County Courthouse. The suite offers a main space, soft interview room, family grieving room, and comfort rooms offering victims a place to rest between court sessions or to meet with prosecutors. The pandemic delayed Kerner's trial, Lauren said, and in the meantime, she signed up to take the Law School Admission Test. Because of the trial delays, her test date fell during the murder trial. 'It all worked out how it was supposed to, and I took the bar exam in February on the anniversary of Molley's passing,' she said. 'I don't know if I believed that stuff before but for those big moments, she's definitely around.' Lauren decided to go to law school in March 2020 and graduated from Indiana University's McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. As kids, Lauren, Lindsey and Molley were 'very, very close,' Lauren said. 'I always felt like sisterhood was important to me and being the oldest, I always felt kind of protective,' she said. 'And we were so close in age, we had a lot of the same friends.' The trio was known as 'the Lanham girls,' she said. 'We were always a package deal.' Their mom often dressed them in matching clothes, which they griped about when they were younger, but now Lauren said she and Lindsey show up in similar outfits at least once a week. Additionally, they borrow each other's clothes, providing entertaining fodder for their coworkers. Lauren and Lindsey following the same career path in the same office, then, isn't that much of a stretch, though Lauren said they didn't expect to work together. 'I think it's funny because before Molley's passing, we both wanted to go to law school but we weren't sure what we would do with it,' Lauren said. Sitting through the trials for Kerner and Silva, the sisters felt a strong connection to Molley. 'It puts some perspective on things,' Lauren said, about what a victim's family goes through. Lauren is eager to get started in the prosecutor's office, work she said 'you have to be passionate about,' and can see herself working there for a long time. The sisters' mom sometimes pops in when one of her daughters is prosecuting a case, Lindsey said. 'I think Mom loves it. She's proud,' Lindsey said. Lauren said the work of her and her sister gives their mother inspiration about how to connect with people through the Molley Lanham Foundation. That furthers a sense of community for the families of homicide victims, Lindsey said. 'Prior to losing Molley, I had never been in any situation like this and I wasn't aware that it was going on around me,' Lindsey said, adding her job is 'almost like exposure therapy,' helping others navigate what she's been through. 'And we're honoring Molley's life and legacy. It was such a short life lived,' Lauren said, adding she and her sister have empathy to help others. 'If this is a way to continue that legacy, it doesn't bring closure but it keeps Molley's light shining bright.' Molley, Lindsey said, was always known to give people second and third chances. 'That's something I try to remember with my victims,' she said. 'She's constantly in this job, every single day.' Kerner, 24, of Valparaiso, was initially sentenced to 179 years in prison for the murders of Molley and Grill after a jury found him guilty of two counts of murder, one count of robbery causing serious bodily injury, and one arson count. The Indiana Court of Appeals trimmed 25 years off his sentence. His earliest release date, according to the Indiana Department of Correction website, is Aug. 31, 2134. He is incarcerated at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility just south of Terre Haute. The criminal trial for co-defendant John Silva II of Hamlet ended in a hung jury in June 2021. Now 24, Silva pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, attempted robbery and welfare fraud. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 10 years on probation. His earliest release date, according to online records from IDOC, is Nov. 22, 2037. Silva is housed at the Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pair — including former county victims advocate — charged in drug case
A man and woman — including a former Lake County crime victims advocate — were charged Wednesday in a drug case. A third man is mentioned, but not currently charged in public filings. Howard Geib, 54, of Merrillville is charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. He is in custody, held without bail. A lawyer is not listed. Niki Fitusis, 55, of Crown Point, had a small bag of cocaine in her wallet, plus two needles and paraphernalia in her SUV's center console, records show. She is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe, all Level 6 felonies, plus one misdemeanor. Her lawyer Mike Woods, of Stracci Law Group, declined comment Thursday. During a hearing Thursday, an arrest warrant was recalled and her $2,500 bond was ordered refunded, filings show. Fitusis worked for Lake County until 2019, according to Indiana Gateway, a public employee salary database. She was a longtime Lake County Prosecutor's Office victims advocate — who helped them navigate their court cases. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Det. Alex Neel was patrolling April 24 by the Little Calumet River and Clark Road in Gary when he spotted a Blue Infiniti SUV down a NIPSCO service road near brush, court records show. He saw a man — later identified as Geib — walking away with a bunch of copper wire. A second man was standing next to the SUV, while Fitusis was sitting in the back seat. The man with Fitusis said Geib wasn't with them, before saying he picked him up at a gas station, but didn't know his name. Fitusis zipped her purse. When Neel radioed dispatch, Fitusis said she didn't want her name over police radio. The man with her said the trio was there to 'burn wire.' Neel called in a K-9 police dog, who tracked Geib. After Geib ran briefly from the cops, he told police he had an active warrant for a meth dealing case. 'I love you guys,' Geib said to Fitusis and the other man. Police found two syringes, a scale, a mirror with cocaine, a razor, a straw and crystal-like substance in the console. They also found 56 grams of meth in Fitusis' purse that Geib said he put there. They also found Hydrocodine — a prescription pain killer — in another pill bottle in her purse. Geib denied anything in the console was his. Later, police found the 2.5 grams of cocaine in a bag in Fitusis' wallet, plus a metal spoon and 'broken smoking device' elsewhere in the vehicle. A further court date for Geib is not yet scheduled. Fitusis' next hearing is May 30. mcolias@
Chicago Tribune
15-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Pair — including former county victims advocate — charged in drug case
A man and woman — including a former Lake County crime victims advocate — were charged Wednesday in a drug case. A third man is mentioned, but not currently charged in public filings. Howard Geib, 54, of Merrillville is charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. He is in custody, held without bail. A lawyer is not listed. Niki Fitusis, 55, of Crown Point, had a small bag of cocaine in her wallet, plus two needles and paraphernalia in her SUV's center console, records show. She is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe, all Level 6 felonies, plus one misdemeanor. Her lawyer Mike Woods, of Stracci Law Group, declined comment Thursday. During a hearing Thursday, an arrest warrant was recalled and her $2,500 bond was ordered refunded, filings show. Fitusis worked for Lake County until 2019, according to Indiana Gateway, a public employee salary database. She was a longtime Lake County Prosecutor's Office victims advocate — who helped them navigate their court cases. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Det. Alex Neel was patrolling April 24 by the Little Calumet River and Clark Road in Gary when he spotted a Blue Infiniti SUV down a NIPSCO service road near brush, court records show. He saw a man — later identified as Geib — walking away with a bunch of copper wire. A second man was standing next to the SUV, while Fitusis was sitting in the back seat. The man with Fitusis said Geib wasn't with them, before saying he picked him up at a gas station, but didn't know his name. Fitusis zipped her purse. When Neel radioed dispatch, Fitusis said she didn't want her name over police radio. The man with her said the trio was there to 'burn wire.' Neel called in a K-9 police dog, who tracked Geib. After Geib ran briefly from the cops, he told police he had an active warrant for a meth dealing case. 'I love you guys,' Geib said to Fitusis and the other man. Police found two syringes, a scale, a mirror with cocaine, a razor, a straw and crystal-like substance in the console. They also found 56 grams of meth in Fitusis' purse that Geib said he put there. They also found Hydrocodine — a prescription pain killer — in another pill bottle in her purse. Geib denied anything in the console was his. Later, police found the 2.5 grams of cocaine in a bag in Fitusis' wallet, plus a metal spoon and 'broken smoking device' elsewhere in the vehicle. A further court date for Geib is not yet scheduled. Fitusis' next hearing is May 30.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Lake County Prosecutor speaks to students about gun safety
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter spoke to students at third-grade students at Benjamin Harrison Elementary School in East Chicago on Tuesday about his Gun Safety Literacy Program, which aims to teach children in kindergarten through third grade about the importance of gun safety. Harrison Elementary is the first site for the initiative, which is designed to help children stay safe by avoiding unsecured firearms. The program uses the S.A.F.E. method to remind children how to react when they see a firearm — Stop, Avoid Touching the gun, Find an Adult, and Exit the Area. The S.A.F.E. method is demonstrated by Careful Carter, a canine mascot who helps children learn the critical steps to staying safe if they ever encounter a firearm. The students are taken through relatable scenarios, with kid-friendly visuals, and interactive activities. The program also aims to foster trust and open communication between children, parents, and law enforcement. 'Our children's safety is non-negotiable,' Carter said in a news release. 'This program gives young students the tools they need to recognize danger and make safe choices if they encounter a gun. By introducing these lessons early, we're helping prevent tragedies before they happen.' The program is the latest effort by the Lake County Prosecutor's Office to curb gun violence after a spate of incidents in recent years where children were maimed or killed when they gained access to unsecured firearms. 'Too many children lose their lives or are seriously injured because guns aren't properly secured,' Carter said. In November 2023, a 2-year-old Gary boy was accidentally shot and killed by his 3-year-old brother after finding a gun in his mother's purse, while a 3-year-old boy died in Merrillville of an apparent accidental gunshot wound in December 2023. In August 2023, Edan Johnson, 5, of Chicago, was killed while visiting relatives in the 2400 block of Fillmore Street in Gary. A 32-year-old man told police that he'd laid down his gun before falling asleep, but was awakened by the sound of a gunshot and found the boy shot. The boy died of his injuries at a hospital. Another incident occurred in September 2023 when a 4-year-old found his mother's gun inside of her purse in the closet and accidentally shot himself, Gary Police said. He survived his injuries. Carter has held numerous events to distribute gun locks through the Lake County Ministerial Alliance. The Gary Police Department is a distribution point, and other police departments such as St. John and Highland among others already have gun safety lock programs in place. Last spring, Carter worked to create a series of gun safety videos with State Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, and Wheatfield resident Kandice Cole, whose 4-year-old son Eric gained access to an unsecured handgun in his babysitter's home and shot himself in the forehead in 2017. 'It's just my hope the more I share this tragedy… we can spare other parents the heartache,' Cole said in April 2024. For more information about the Gun Safety Literacy Program or about the free gun locks, please contact Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer at mmaldonado@ or call 219-755-3720.
