Two teenagers now charged as adults with the murder of a prominent Gary man made their initial court appearance Tuesday.
Antonio M. Terrell, 15, and Tyjuan Jefferson, 16, both of Gary, were formally charged last week in Lake Superior Court. They had been previously charged as juveniles. Both are in custody in Lake County’s Juvenile Detention Center, held without bail.
They are accused in the June 26 death of Wallace W. Broadnax, 70, a respected former Gary firefighter and 1993 Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer.
Magistrate Kathleen Sullivan appointed a public defender for each. Jefferson’s next court appearance is March 9, while Terrell’s is set for March 10.
Broadnax, 70, was shot around 7 a.m. June 26 when he was approached at his vehicle by the two teens at the Clark Gas Station in the 2200 block of Grant Street, police said. Surveillance video shows a brief exchange of words and Broadnax turning to escape before he was shot. The alleged shooter was identified then as a 14-year-old Gary resident. The second youth is a 15-year-old Chicago teen.
Known as “Wallygator,” Broadnax was a member of First Baptist Church and was a member of Roosevelt High School’s 1968 Indiana State Basketball Team, according to his obituary. He retired from the Gary Fire Department with more than 25 years of service and worked for Guy & Allen Funeral Directors for 36 years, until his death.
A murder charge carries a possible penalty between 45-65 years.
