Two teens charged in connection with Wallace Broadnax’s gas station murder have signed plea deals, according to court records.
The alleged shooter, 16, of Gary, faces 40 years in a plea deal filed Thursday. The Post-Tribune is not naming him, due to his age.
He pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level two felony, and a firearm enhancement.
The plea deal calls for a 30-year sentence on the robbery charge and 10 years on the enhancement, served in the Indiana Department of Corrections. He must serve at least 75%, under Indiana law.
His sentencing is set for Oct. 19, according to the prosecutor’s office.
His co-defendant Tyjuan Jefferson, now 17, of Chicago, signed a plea agreement Aug. 29 admitting to attempted armed robbery, a level 3 felony.
He faces 3-16 years. His sentencing hearing is Oct. 10.
Broadnax, 70, a respected former Gary firefighter and 1993 Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer, was grabbing a newspaper on June 26, 2021 at the Go Lo gas station, 2295 Grant St, when he was approached by two teens as he left.
He was shot around 7 a.m., police said.
Surveillance video shows a brief exchange of words and Broadnax turning to escape before he was shot.
Known as “Wallygator,” Broadnax was a member of First Baptist Church and was a member of Roosevelt High School’s 1968 Indiana State Champion 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.
