CROWN POINT – A jury in Lake Criminal Court traded until 1 a.m. Friday before convicting a suspect for the murder of his friend with an AK-47 shot on January 5, 2018, while the friend was sitting on the sofa.
Brooks, 27, of Gary, shot dead 25-year-old Louis Watson, of Gary, at around 2:30 a.m. while Brooks’ brother, Mario Brooks, was sitting next to Watson, according to testimony.
Montiel Brooks was previously guilty in August, but Lake Criminal Court Judge Jimmie Perkins overturned that ruling after a jury determined inadvertently exposed unacceptable evidence.
Brooks was convicted on Friday of murder and firearm promotion. The lawyers said the jury debated about five hours late Thursday through Friday before reaching its decision.
The sentence for murder can be up to 45 to 65 years. The potential punishment for a firearm enhancement ranges from five to 20 years, which must be executed in succession for any sentence for intentional homicide.
The attorneys said Mario Brooks, who was declared not to attend during August’s trial, testified during this week’s trial.
Defense attorney Adam Taveitas said the state had offered Mario Brooks immunity in exchange for his testimony. Such as Taveitas and attorney Aaron Coonsi, Montel Brooks.
Deputy District Attorneys at Lake Nathan Psimos and Daniel Burke represented the state.
