northwest Indiana

2 Arrested in Connection to Teen Killed While Trying to Sell Xbox

The teen took off running when an assailant took out a gun, and he was shot in the back

Two teenagers were arrested by Lake Country Sheriff's police Thursday in connection to the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was gunned down inside of a vehicle after trying to sell his Xbox in June.

According to authorities, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old were taken into custody at Lake County Jail after a tactical unit executed search warrants on a home in Gary and Crown Point, Indiana.

Police say they had been investigating the homicide of 16-year-old Johnny Peluyera of Merrillville, who was fatally shot on June 12.

“Charges against both teens have not yet been filed,” Lake Co. Sherriff Martinez said. “Charges are expected to be filed this week and the names of both suspects will be released.

Martinez also added that officials were asking that the 17-year-old be charged as an adult.

The teen was looking to sell the game system to have the money for a new iPhone, but after he listed the Xbox on the website “Offer Up,” the transaction went horribly wrong.

Authorities say that the teen and his father met the buyers at 51st and Maryland in Gary, where one of the buyers pulled out a gun. According to the boy’s uncle, he told Johnny to give the robbers the game system, but instead he took off running.

The assailants then fired at the boy, striking him in the back. He would later die from his injuries.

“A mother and a father should never have to bury their child. They’re beside themselves,” Peluyera’s uncle Joe Bernacet said.

Police are still encouraging the public to be careful in conducting sales arranged on the internet, and offering the safety of the police station for those looking to make such transactions in a public place.

The boy’s family says they are thankful for the overwhelming support they’ve received from the community, saying it’s helping them get through a difficult time.

“For the two individuals who did this, you don’t even know what you’ve done,” an emotional Bernacet said.

Contact Us