A verbal dispute between two coworkers in the Camaco manufacturing plant parking lot turned fatal in Portage, Indiana, the morning of October 16, 2024. Lenell Jenkins, a 22-year-old Black man, was shot and killed around 3:30 a.m. as shifts were changing on Ameriplex Drive. Witnesses said the argument did not seem overly heated before it suddenly became violent.

Minutes before the shooting Jenkins texted his fiancée that everything was normal and he was on his way home; she was pregnant with their son. Jenkins, who was unarmed, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Witness statements and surveillance footage led police to identify 20-year-old Lupe McGee Jr. of Merrillville as the suspect. He was arrested about six hours later at a Merrillville residence and a handgun believed to be the weapon was recovered. McGee was charged with murder and is being held at the Porter County Jail without bond.

Jenkins’ mother and six siblings were left to turn baby-shower plans into funeral arrangements. If anyone witnessed the incident or has information about Jenkins, please come forward.