An East Chicago man is on trial this week, accused of beating a man with a chair and shooting him.
Jorge Valdez, 49, is charged with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and one count each of battery and theft in the Dec. 3, 2017 incident.
The Post-Tribune is not naming the victim for his safety.
ATF Agent Jason Gore said Tuesday he started investigating the case a month later after a colleague got a tip.
East Chicago Police were called Dec. 3, 2017 to St. Catherine’s Hospital. The victim claimed two masked men came inside his house and beat him with a chair, before one shot him.
He later admitted he lied and said Valdez did it.
Valdez told police he went to the victim’s house to watch football, but found the door unlocked with him lying in a pool of blood on the floor.
The victim said he and Valdez were watching football when Valdez asked the victim to front $20 worth of cocaine because Valdez was behind on child support, his truck was towed and he needed cash.
The victim said if he had money, he wouldn’t give it to him. Valdez allegedly flashed a handgun, and shot the victim six times in the head, torso and chest, according to court records.
He then told the victim to go to the kitchen where he beat him with a chair “until it broke.” Valdez allegedly tied the victim’s hands with an electrical cord and tried to smother him with a pillow.
The victim told police he lied about who shot him because he feared Valdez would kill him or his family.
Valdez was at the hospital when police were questioning the victim, according to court records. Afterward, the victim contacted police.
The victim later told investigators his keys, van, cash and jewelry were missing.
A male juror was dismissed Tuesday after Valdez said he saw him talking to the victim and a witness in the parking lot after the trial Monday. The juror admitted under oath he asked them for a ride home, but ended up taking the bus.
mcolias@post-trib.com
