Merrillville Police Chief Joe Petruch today announced that the Merrillville Police Department was offering a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects wanted in connection with the Wednesday murder of Merrillville resident Cecil Pendleton, Jr.
Police believe the suspects were breaking into cars at the Tan Tar A apartments (150 East 59th Avenue) when they targeted Pendleton who was walking towards his vehicle to go to work shortly after 5 AM. Pendleton was shot while inside his work van and died a short time later at a nearby hospital.
As part of the ongoing investigation, four people were taken into custody and three handguns seized by Merrillville Police on Wednesday evening. The arrests were made in the vicinity of the homicide scene and at a local hotel. Various charges are pending against the four who are being held at the Lake County Jail and the Lake County Juvenile Center. Although these individuals are considered as potential persons of interest in the homicide investigation, police still need help from the public to solve the murder.
Anyone with information about who killed Cecil Pendleton, Jr. should contact the Merrillville Police Department at 219-769-3722, extension 347, or visit the Major Crimes website at nwimajorcrimes.com and click on the “Submit a Tip” tab.
CONTACT PERSON: Robert Byrd, Spokesperson
Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force