Prosecutors say doorbell video helped build the case after a Fourth of July gathering.
GARY, Ind. — A 31-year-old Chicago man has been charged in the shooting death of 10-year-old Montana Weathers, who was killed early Sunday while visiting family in Gary over the Fourth of July weekend.
Lake County prosecutors charged Ernesto Posadas in the homicide of Montana and the attempted murder of a 51-year-old man who was critically wounded. The case moved quickly after police said Posadas was arrested Sunday during a traffic stop on Interstate 80/94. Authorities said the investigation remains active.
Gary police said officers were called about 12:49 a.m. Sunday to the 200 block of Chase Street for a report of a shooting. Before officers arrived, Montana and the wounded man had been driven to Methodist Northlake Hospital. Montana was pronounced dead at 1:43 a.m. The man was later transferred to a Chicago-area hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said Posadas had been at a Fourth of July gathering at the home with his girlfriend before an argument led him to leave. According to court records described by prosecutors, a Ring doorbell camera showed Posadas later returning in a black minivan with another man. Authorities allege both men got out and opened fire toward the front porch, where Montana, Posadas’ girlfriend and others were located.
Police said Montana was struck in the head. The 51-year-old man was shot in the stomach. Investigators said someone inside the home returned fire after the shooter drove away. Posadas later denied returning to the gathering, telling detectives he drove home to Chicago and went to sleep after leaving the party, according to authorities.
Prosecutors said Posadas is classified as a serious violent felon under Indiana law and has a criminal history that includes a 2018 aggravated kidnapping conviction in Cook County. He faces murder, attempted murder and firearms-related charges. Officials have not released the name of the second person accused of firing shots.
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said the case remains an active prosecution and that officials would not discuss evidence beyond what has been filed in court. “Our responsibility is to protect the integrity of the judicial process and ensure that every defendant receives a fair trial while seeking justice for the victim,” Carter said.
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon said the charges mark an important step after a child’s death shook the community. “While no legal action can erase the pain this family and our community have endured, these charges send a clear message that those who commit violent crimes will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable,” Cannon said.
Posadas was scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in Crown Point. Police said detectives are still reviewing evidence and seeking information tied to the Chase Street shooting.
Author note: Last updated July 8, 2026.