The last defendant could face 30 years in a plea deal for the gang-linked targeted killing of a 13-year-old in Gary, court filings show.
Elijah Porter, 24, of Merrillville, pleaded guilty last week to aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony, and a criminal organization enhancement.
If a judge accepts the deal, a sentencing hearing is Oct. 8.
Porter was charged with two others in the Feb. 15, 2023 death of Orie Dodson after the boy disrespected a dead gang leader over social media.
Investigators allege that Porter, Dahvee Brunson and Kriston Barbee shot Dodson dead in front of Power & Light Church, located at 1351 Lincoln St., in Gary.
Authorities believe on a two-way Instagram Live video, Dodson was disrespecting Julius “Chop” James IV, 24. James was a “revered” and “untouchable” figure in the 49th Avenue Boys gang, according to court records. James was gunned down in Gary on Feb. 11, 2019.
Co-defendants Kriston Barbee, Jr. and Dahvee Brunson are serving 110-year and 142-year sentences for Dodson’s death, respectively.