2 teens in custody for fatal shooting of 16-year-old over Xbox
07/04/2019 9:24 am PDT
By Meghan Dwyer and Tom Negovan, WGN
GARY, Ind. (WGN) -- Lake County officials said they took two teens into custody after they allegedly fatally shot a 16-year-old last month while he was trying to sell them his Xbox.
Johnny Peluyera, 16, was shot and killed June 12 while he was with his father meeting up with two people in Gary to sell the teen's gaming system. The two arranged the meeting using an online sales app.
The boy's father said he knew something wasn't quite right. He spotted a gun and told his son to run, but the teen was shot in the back as he tried to run back to his father's car.
The suspects did not take the Xbox.
Peluyera was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Lake County sheriff said they have a 17-year-old and 18-year-old in custody for the shooting. Charges are pending, and the 17-year-old may be charged as an adult.
The teens were arrested at their homes in Gary and Crown Point.
Kelly Arroyo and John Peluyera, the teen's parents, said the whole thing is still incomprehensible.
"I especially plead to all parents: Hold your babies. Tell them every day you love them and you are proud of them,” Arroyo said.
His mother said she can't believe her son is gone. She said he was a wonderful kid who loved video games and cars. He had just gotten his license and was about to get his own Trans Am. The teen didn't have a chance to drive the new blue car his parents had just bought for him.
MORE: 2 teens in custody for fatal shooting of Gary 16-year-old over Xbox - WGN