HAMMOND, IN – A tragic mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning at the Portside Pub located at 1516 Indianapolis Boulevard, leaving five victims with gunshot wounds and two dead. The suspect, Caprice Edward Cashaw, aged 34, was taken into custody following the shooting. The deceased have been identified as Paul, a bartender at the pub, and Lorraine Reyna, a woman known to her family and friends.

Around 4:00 a.m., Hammond Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at the pub. Upon their arrival, they found five individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The other three victims were transported to a local hospital, where two of them remain in serious condition. The third victim has been stabilized, according to authorities.

The Victims:

• Paul, the bartender, was reportedly one of the deceased. Colleagues at the pub have expressed their sorrow at the loss, describing him as a beloved member of the staff and a friendly presence in the community.

• Lorraine Reyna, the second fatality, was identified by family members as someone with a deep connection to the local community. Family and friends have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing fond memories of Lorraine’s kindness and warmth.

The Suspect: Caprice Edward Cashaw, a resident of Merrillville, was quickly apprehended following the shooting. Authorities believe the incident may have stemmed from a domestic-related altercation, but the investigation remains ongoing. Cashaw’s criminal record raises concerns about why he had not been incarcerated before this incident. In 2022, Cashaw was charged after allegedly attempting to run over an Indiana Gaming Commission agent at an East Chicago casino. Despite the severity of the situation, he was charged with criminal recklessness—a Class B misdemeanor—rather than the more serious charge of attempted murder.

Court records reveal a pattern of delays in Cashaw’s case. At least ten continuances over the past three years have prevented his conviction and potential incarceration. Critics argue that these delays in the criminal justice system allowed Cashaw to remain on the streets, where he ultimately committed the heinous act of shooting and killing two individuals and injuring three others.

The Crime Scene: The Portside Pub is a popular establishment in Hammond, Indiana, where locals gather to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment. The shooting took place in the early hours of the morning, when the pub was likely winding down from the night’s activities. Witnesses at the scene have reported that the shooting occurred in the middle of an altercation, with Cashaw allegedly involved in some form of dispute that escalated into gun violence. Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the domestic dispute, but investigators believe it was the catalyst for the shooting.

Upon hearing the gunfire, patrons and staff at the pub likely scattered, trying to escape the chaos. Police responded swiftly to the scene, and emergency medical teams arrived to attend to the victims. The fact that the shooting resulted in multiple casualties and injuries has left the community shaken and searching for answers.

The Investigation: The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with Detective Lt. Marc Ferry from the Hammond Police Department leading the inquiry. Authorities are piecing together evidence from the crime scene, witness statements, and surveillance footage to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the shooting. A key part of the investigation will focus on understanding the relationship between Cashaw and the victims, and how the altercation turned deadly.

As of now, one southbound lane in the 1500 block of Indianapolis Boulevard remains closed as law enforcement continues to process the crime scene. The closure of the road has contributed to traffic delays in the area, but authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the scene to allow investigators to do their work.

The Broader Context: Repeat Offenders and the Delays in the Criminal Justice System

This tragic incident has brought attention to the issues surrounding repeat offenders and delays in the criminal justice system. Caprice Cashaw had a prior criminal history, including the 2022 incident at the East Chicago casino, where he allegedly attempted to run over an Indiana Gaming Commission agent. Despite the severity of the event, Cashaw was charged with a Class B misdemeanor rather than a more serious felony, which could have led to jail time.

The Indiana Gaming Commission agent’s testimony, the police reports, and the investigation into the incident indicate that Cashaw’s behavior was reckless and dangerous. Yet, due to the classification of the charge as criminal recklessness, Cashaw was able to avoid a more serious legal consequence. This case highlights the issue of lenient sentencing and inconsistent enforcement of laws in cases involving repeat offenders, particularly those with histories of violent behavior.

A Broken System?: Experts have long warned that delays in the justice system can lead to dangerous consequences, particularly in cases involving violent offenders. Cashaw’s case has led some legal experts to call for reform in the way the criminal justice system handles repeat offenders. The fact that Cashaw had several continuances over the years, preventing a timely conviction, has sparked outrage among those advocating for justice reform.

In a case like this, the system’s inability to swiftly address serious criminal charges raises questions about accountability. According to Maya White, a criminal defense attorney, “When individuals with violent tendencies are allowed to remain on the streets due to delays in their cases, the public is at risk.” White continued, “We need to ensure that our system is both fair and efficient, so that people like Cashaw cannot exploit the system to evade consequences for their actions.”

Impact on the Community: This shooting has left the Hammond community grappling with the loss of two individuals and the severe injury of three others. Local businesses, community groups, and residents are mourning the deaths of Paul and Lorraine, who were beloved figures in their community. Tributes and messages of condolence have flooded social media, with friends and family sharing their memories of the victims and offering support to those affected by the shooting.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the community is coming together to support the victims’ families and to discuss how they can address issues related to domestic violence, repeat offenders, and public safety. Local leaders have expressed concern about the rise of gun violence in the area, particularly in public places like bars and pubs where individuals should feel safe. Some have called for more community-based interventions to reduce violence and prevent further tragedies like this one.

What’s Next?

The investigation into the shooting will continue, with authorities seeking to uncover more information about the relationship between Caprice Cashaw and the victims, and what led to the violent confrontation. While Cashaw remains in custody and has been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, the case will likely go through a lengthy legal process, with trial dates set and evidence reviewed.

Community leaders in Hammond are calling for stronger support systems for those affected by domestic violence, as well as increased efforts to keep dangerous offenders off the streets. For families and friends of the victims, the journey toward justice and healing has just begun.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Change

The tragic shooting at Portside Pub has not only claimed the lives of Paul and Lorraine, but it has also sparked critical discussions about the criminal justice system, the dangers of repeat offenders, and the broader issues of public safety. As the investigation unfolds, the Hammond community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the violence, while also searching for ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In the coming weeks, we will likely see more discussions on the importance of legal reforms, better support for those affected by violence, and a renewed call for justice for those who have lost their lives at the hands of individuals who should have been held accountable long before the shooting occurred. The case of Caprice Cashaw serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in the criminal justice system and the impact that delays and leniency can have on the safety and well-being of communities.