Ex-Husband Sought in Indiana Strip Mall Murder

The suspect rented a red Toyota Corolla with Ohio license plates which he drove to the murder scene, according to investigators

Investigators in northwest Indiana launched a nationwide manhunt Saturday after a woman was shot and killed inside a store at a strip mall.

Richard Kalecki, 49, is the ex-husband of the victim, Alessandra De Moraes-Emiliano, according to authorities.

At approximately 1 p.m., the death investigation team in Lake County was dispatched to 248 W. Lincoln Highway in Schererville, according to the coroner’s officer. An Edible Arrangements store is located at that address.

The 37-year-old woman, who worked at the store, was found dead with a gunshot wound, according to the coroner’s office. Her death was ruled a homicide.

"He entered the main entrance and walked into the rear of the store where he committed the murder," said Bob Byrd with the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.

Police initially thought Kalecki fled to his Crown Point home and directed their investigation to a subdivision. Neighbors told NBC Chicago that police had guns drawn and the home surrounded.

"My wife called me and said there's some guy laying in our backyard with a sniper rifle and a scope," said neighbor Rob Marvel.

At about 6 p.m., SWAT members went into the home but did not find the suspect.

"I'm not gonna feel safe until they get him," said neighbor Danie Collins.

Investigators were able to identify Kalecki using surveillance video from inside the business as well as with the help from witnesses.

Kalecki rented a car Saturday morning which he drove to the murder scene, according to investigators. It is a red 2015 Toyota Corolla with Ohio license plates that read FPN6779.

If anyone sees the vehicle, you're asked to call 911 immediately.

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