Police Task Force Meets as Shotgun Slayings Terrify Northern Indiana

A task force met Saturday to examine evidence in its investigation of a string of shotgun slayings that has left seven people dead over as many weeks and terrified northwest Indiana residents.

Portage police Sgt. Warren Lewis said Friday the list of suspects has been narrowed to “several people,” but that none had been picked up for questioning.

Law officers say they believe one man is responsible for the attacks.

The task force--made up of about 45 officers from law enforcement agencies in the area--has received hundreds of tips.

The first shooting occurred in Griffiths, Ind., about 40 miles southeast of Chicago, on Oct. 30. Since then, six more murders have been committed in the northwest part of the state, all with shotguns during the commission of robberies.

Five of the seven were killed in separate incidents, while two store workers in Gary were killed together Dec. 17.

Lake County Coroner Daniel Thomas said that shotgun shell casings found at four murder sites were fired by the same weapon, although more tests on the Winchester casings are being made.

Police on Friday released a composite drawing of the suspect believed responsible for the slayings, described as a white man between 20 and 35. Investigators said they have not determined his height or build.

Retailers reported brisk sales of handguns and other weapons in the past week. On Thursday, police warned residents to take precautions against the gunman.

Porter County Sheriff Lee (Ed) Miller told reporters Friday that he’s worried that in the climate of fear, an innocent person could be shot.