Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Richmond Man Charged with Murder in November 2022 Shooting Death
A tragic incident unfolded in Richmond, Indiana, in November 2022, when 33-year-old Nicholas F. Lakes was fatally shot in a house located in the 1100 block of North I Street. The shocking development led to the arrest of 39-year-old Earl Juston Ray, who has now been charged with murder, burglary resulting in serious bodily injury, and attempted robbery in connection with Lakes’ death.
The Details of the Incident
According to witness statements provided to the Richmond police, Ray allegedly entered the house wearing a red outfit and a red mask covering the lower half of his face. Witnesses reported that there was a history of “bad blood” between Ray and Lakes over their dealings with a mutual female acquaintance.
One witness recounted how Ray demanded “all your dope and money” from Lakes before shooting him multiple times. Another witness, Erica Nicole Petry, also present at the scene, was reported to be wearing a mask and brandishing a handgun during the fatal shooting.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
Ray was apprehended for a parole violation two weeks after the homicide but refused to speak to the police at that time. He is currently incarcerated at the New Castle Correctional Facility with a projected release date in July 2026. Ray’s criminal record includes previous convictions for robbery in Wayne and Johnson counties.
Petry, who was initially identified as a suspect in the homicide in December 2022, was later charged with murder, burglary resulting in serious bodily injury, and attempted robbery. She was arrested by U.S. marshals and Richmond police at a residence in the 1200 block of Northwest Fifth Street and is being held without bond in the Wayne County jail pending a trial scheduled for May 6.
Legal Ramifications
In Indiana, a murder conviction carries a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison. The burglary charge is a Level 1 felony with a potential 40-year prison term, while the attempted robbery count is a Level 2 felony that could result in a 30-year sentence.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community in Richmond remains shaken by the tragic events that unfolded in November 2022. The search for justice for Nicholas F. Lakes continues as the individuals responsible for his untimely death face the consequences of their actions.
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