A nearly three-year-old homicide investigation has resulted in many arrests and felony charges, following a renewed effort by the Lake Station Police Department’s Cold Case Unit.
According to investigators, Demetrius Harbour, 17, was found slain on August 20, 2022, in the east alley of the 2700 block of Gibson Street. Officers were first dispatched around 7:33 p.m., when Harbour was discovered lying on his back, dead. An examination later revealed that he died of a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death was deemed homicide.
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After the case went unsolved for years, officers reopened the probe in early 2025 as part of a new Cold Case Unit. Working with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, investigators uncovered fresh evidence, which led to charges being filed on March 31, 2026.
Keshaun Rey Perkins, 23, of Lake Station, who was already in detention on separate charges, has been charged with two counts of murder, one act of robbery resulting in bodily injury, and firearm enhancements. According to court filings, Perkins admitted to several people that he shot Harbour during a firearm-related robbery. According to the affidavit, Perkins informed witnesses that the victim refused to hand him a gun and a phone, forcing him to shoot and force him out of a vehicle.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred inside a red Ford Explorer, where a Ruger 9mm handgun, a spent bullet casing, and blood matching the victim were later discovered. Authorities reported that the vehicle looked to have been cleaned following the incident, although some evidence remained. Additional evidence includes text messages in which Perkins allegedly discussed attempting to procure a firearm before the shooting.
Police believe the robbery included more than one person. Keontay Maurice Perkins was arrested at Lake Station and accused with murder and robbery resulting in bodily injury. Mariana Jeanette Puentez was arrested in Gary and accused with helping a criminal, obstructing justice, and providing false information.
According to investigators, Harbour traveled with Perkins throughout the day, making many stops before the shooting at 6:20 p.m. Evidence suggests that another guy was apprehended shortly before the incident and participated in the robbery, during which Harbour was shot inside the vehicle before being removed and abandoned in the alley.
Keshaun Rey Perkins (already in custody on other charges):
- COUNT I – MURDER (a Level 1 Felony)
- COUNT II – MURDER (a Level 1 Felony)
- COUNT III – ROBBERY RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY (a Level 3 Felony)
- ENHANCEMENT TO COUNT I – FIREARM USED IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE
- ENHANCEMENT TO COUNT II – FIREARM USED IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE
- ENHANCEMENT TO COUNT III – FIREARM USED IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE
Keontay Maurice Perkins (taken into custody in Lake Station, IN today):
- COUNT I – MURDER (a Level 1 Felony)
- COUNT II – ROBBERY RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY (a Level 3 Felony)
Mariana Jeanette Puentez (taken into custody in Gary, IN today):
- COUNT I – ASSISTING A CRIMINAL (a Level 5 Felony)
- COUNT II – ASSISTING A CRIMINAL (a Level 6 Felony)
- COUNT III – OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE (a Level 6 Felony)
- COUNT IV – FALSE INFORMING (a Class B Misdemeanor)
Police commended Detective Cameron Price and the Cold Case Unit, as well as support from many agencies, including the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, Lake County High-Tech Crime Unit, Indiana State Police Lab, and Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Unit.
All accused are deemed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
