As part of the ongoing homicide investigation of Merrillville resident Cecil Pendleton Jr., the Merrillville Police Department and the Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force have arrested five people for various crimes unrelated to the murder.
Police have focused their investigation in and around the Tan Tar A Apartments (150 E. 59th Avenue, where the homicide occurred), and at the adjacent Edgewood Terrace Apartments (5850 Pennsylvania Street).
Those arrested and formally charged are:
- Kendall Skinner, 18, 847 W. 89th Avenue, Merrillville, Robbery, Criminal Confinement, Criminal Trespass, Possession of Marijuana.
- James Bramlett, 21, 6120 Glen Drive, Merrillville, Robbery, Criminal Confinement, Criminal Trespass, Possession of Marijuana.
- Deandre Clemons, 16 (charged as an adult) 5850 Pennsylvania Street, Robbery, Criminal Confinement.
- Deshonte Brinkley, 18, 5850 Pennsylvania Street, Merrillville, Handgun No Permit.
- 17 year old female, Criminal Trespass, Possession of Marijuana.
On Wednesday evening (05-06-15) Deshonte Brinkley was arrested at the Edgewood Apartments after a traffic stop revealed that he illegally possessed a handgun that was found hidden in his shoe.
Also on Wednesday evening, Merrillville Police responded to a Merrillville hotel where management requested that people be removed from a hotel room for smoking marijuana. During that investigation, two handguns were recovered and Kendall Skinner, James Bramlett and a 17 year old female were arrested for Criminal Trespass and Possession of Marijuana.
On Friday, Merrillville Police obtained arrest warrants for three men wanted for the April 19th armed robbery of a Merrillville man near the 600 block of East 78th Lane, Merrillville. Kendal Skinner, James Bramlett and Deandre Clemons were charged with Robbery and Criminal Confinement after they beat and robbed the victim of his personal property.
On Friday afternoon, the Northwest Regional SWAT executed a search warrant at 5850 Pennsylvania Street and James Bramlett and Deandre Clemons were taken into custody.
Police continue their investigation into the April 25, 2015 armed robbery of a pizza deliveryman at 5850 Pennsylvania Street.
Merrillville Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Cecil Pendleton, Jr. The public is asked to call Merrillville Police at 219-769-3722, extension 347, or submit an anonymous tip online at nwimajorcrimes.com