On December 3, 2022, at approximately 12:55 p.m., officers assigned to Unit Patrol Shift 3 were dispatched to the 700 block of E 10th St in reference to shots fired. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered 43-year-old Randy Edwards lying on the ground with what appeared to be life-threatening injuries. There was also a female victim

Shot. Officers began life-saving measures and both subjects were immediately transported by LaPorte County EMS to Franciscan Health, where Mr. Edwards was later pronounced dead.

Det./Sgt. Melissa Sopher has been assigned as lead investigator on this case. The investigation was complex, but Det./Sgt. Sopher diligently pursued this case for nearly two years to bring it to closure. Det./Sgt. Sopher presented her investigative findings to LaPorte County Assistant Prosecutor Dennis Caviston for review. After completing the review, Assistant Prosecutor Caviston presented this case to the Honorable Judge of the Supreme Court 1 Jaime Oss. Judge Oss found probable cause and issued arrest warrants for three individuals. All three were taken into custody. Arrested in this matter were:

1.) Lakeith Winters (36). Lakeith Winters was arrested on September 27, 2024 at his residence on Tremont Street by members of the SWAT team, FAST team and detectives. He is charged with murder (Level 1 felony), attempted murder (Level 1 felony), aggravated assault (Level 3 felony), unlawful possession of a firearm (Level 4 felony), and criminal recklessness (Level 5 felony). Bail was set at $1,000,000, cash only.

2.) Joe Winters (42). Joe Winters was arrested on September 27, 2024 during a traffic stop in the 4300 block of Franklin Street by members of the FAST Team and the LaPorte County Drug Task Force. He is charged with aiding and abetting murder (Level 1 felony), aiding and abetting attempted murder (Level 1 felony), and aiding and abetting, causing or causing grievous bodily harm (Level 3 felony). Bail was set at $100,000, cash only.

3.) Shannon Winters (40). Shannon Winters was arrested by the Chicago Police Department on September 27, 2024 as part of this investigation. He is currently pending extradition to Indiana to face charges of criminal recklessness (Level 5 felony) and unlawful carrying of a handgun (Level 5 felony). binding

was set at $15,000 cash only.

We ask anyone with additional information about this case to contact Det./Sgt. to turn. Sopher at (219) 874-3221 ext. 1049 or email [email protected]. We would also like to remind the public of this

that you can contact us via Facebook Messenger, our Crime Tip Line at 219-873-1488, or you can also call the WeTip General Crime Line (800) 78-CRIME and may receive a reward if arrested and convicted receive. All WeTip call information is sent directly to the LaPorte County District Attorney's Office.

You can request to remain anonymous at any time!

**Photos provided are courtesy of the LaPorte County Jail.

**Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law