Man shot to death after minor crash in Hammond

SHARE Man shot to death after minor crash in Hammond

A 23-year-old man was shot to death after he was involved in a minor traffic crash late Sunday in northwest Indiana.

Robert Vilella was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 5500 block of Beall Avenue in Hammond, Ind., about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a statement from Hammond police.

Vilella, of the 800 block of Indiana Street in Hammond, was taken to Franciscan St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond, where he was pronounced dead at 12:05 a.m., authorities said. His death was ruled a homicide.

Police believe Vilella was shot after being involved in a minor traffic crash on that block, according to police. Police said a parked car was “bumped” by another vehicle. But police said the drivers had reached “an agreement” and no police report was requested.

Police believe the shooter was in the area when the drivers were discussing the crash, and at some point shot Vilella.

No one was in custody as of Monday morning.

Anyone with information should call detectives at (219) 852-2906 or (219) 853-6490.

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