A 54-year-old Gary woman, Antoinette Stokes, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges connected to a Gary homicide investigation that began in October 2024, according to court records.
Court documents show the Gary Police Department launched an investigation into the disappearance of Jimmijion Tushawn Bailey on October 6, 2024, after officers found Bailey’s vehicle abandoned near the intersection of 9th Avenue and Roosevelt Street in Gary. Investigators later determined Bailey was last seen at Woodlake Village Apartments.
As part of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 500 block of Vermillion Place. Inside, they observed what appeared to be extensive blood evidence on a bed and mattress, along with a strong odor consistent with charcoal lighter fluid. Investigators documented melted and charred flooring, soot staining, and multiple containers of lighter fluid. Fire investigators later concluded the fire inside the apartment was intentionally set and self-extinguished, identifying the cause as incendiary and noting it endangered other occupied units in the building.
On October 11, 2024, Bailey’s body was discovered in a ditch in the 2300 block of Clay Street in Gary. The body’s arms and legs were bound with black tape, and the head had been severed. Investigators identified Bailey by his tattoos and through confirmation by a family member at the scene.
According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators connected several vehicles linked to the Stokes family to travel between Woodlake Village Apartments, Gary, Portage, and Lake Station during the critical time period. Court records state a Ford Flex registered to Antoinette Stokes, along with other vehicles registered to family members, was repeatedly captured by license plate reader systems traveling to and from the apartment complex before and after the homicide.
Investigators allege Stokes drove a vehicle used to transport individuals involved in cleaning the apartment and attempting to destroy evidence. Court documents state cellphone data associated with Stokes revealed Google searches such as “what to spray on blood so it illuminates,” “where to buy luminol near me,” “what stops luminol from working,” “what is a fast accelerant,” and “what burns faster kerosene or gas.” Detectives also documented text messages discussing efforts to start a fire inside the apartment.
Investigators report surveillance footage shows a co-conspirator purchasing cleaning supplies, duct tape, lighter fluid, and a lighter during overnight hours, followed by a return to the apartment. Authorities state Stokes did not notify law enforcement or the coroner of the discovery of Bailey’s body and lacked permission to alter the scene of death.
Based on the investigation, prosecutors allege Stokes knowingly took part in efforts to clean the scene, conceal evidence, and attempt to destroy the apartment by fire while the building remained occupied.
Charges filed January 14, 2026:
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Conspiracy to Commit Arson (damage by fire to property of another under circumstances that endanger human life) – Level 4 Felony
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Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony
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Altering the Scene of Death – Level 6 Felony
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Failure to Notify Authorities of Discovery of a Dead Body – Class A Misdemeanor
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Failure to Report Human Remains – Class A Misdemeanor