ATF Offers $5,000 Reward

Investigators Seek Information Regarding the Armed Robbery and Murder at Lucky Mart Foods in Merrillville

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Merrillville Police Department, announce today the reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of additional person(s) responsible for the armed robbery and murder at Lucky Mart Foods, 5695 Cleveland St. in Merrillville. Jeremy Blue, 20, of Merrillville was arrested on Wednesday for this crime but his accomplices remain at large.

On Sunday shortly after 1 p.m., store clerk Judi Simpson-Beaver was brutally shot twice during an armed robbery.  She subsequently died from injuries sustained.  Police are searching for two individuals who were seen fleeing the area in an Oldsmobile sedan after the robbery and shooting. Authorities need to identify these individuals and are seeking information from the public that may further assist in this case.

"This was a vicious and senseless act of violence and those responsible need to be caught and held accountable for their actions," said Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Columbus Field Division. "We ask the community to provide any information that would lead investigators to additional individual(s) responsible".  Merrillville Police Chief Joseph Petruch added, "This type of crime cannot be tolerated and we are committed to utilizing resources from all of our law enforcement partners in resolving this matter".

Anyone with information is asked to call ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS or the Merrillville Police Department at (219) 769-3531.  Callers may remain anonymous.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating violations of federal firearms laws. More information on ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Senior Special Agent David D. Coulson
Public Information Officer
(219) 746-9776

Lieutenant Jeff Snemis
Merrillville Police Department
(219) 769-3531

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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