A Gary man faces reckless homicide charges after opening fire at a man with an assault-style rifle who was shooting at nearby cars, according to court documents.
Aaron T. Neals, 40, was charged Thursday with reckless homicide in the July 7, 2021 death of Donte Denson, 42, of Gary.
The charge is a level 5 felony with a possible penalty of one to six years in prison. He is not currently in custody and ordered held on a $3,000 cash bond.
A witness said he went to the 3900 block of Jefferson Street to find Denson after a relative called him. He noticed a blood stain near the truck that trailed to a grassy area where he found Denson’s body.
He died of a gunshot wound to the back, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office. He also had a large bruise on his head consistent with a terminal fall.
Another witness, who knew Denson, said she was inside with her boyfriend when they heard 15-20 shots outside.
Neals told police Denson was shooting at their cars. He grabbed his assault rifle and yelled for him to stop, the affidavit says.
When Denson pointed his gun at him, Neals shot at him, as Denson ducked behind his truck, according to documents.
When Denson shot at him again, Neals also opened fire, yelling for two relatives to get inside.
He “never thought he shot the man,” charges state.
When asked how many bullets he fired: “a lot,” he said, according to court documents.
A court date is not yet set.
