The Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force has secured murder charges against Dahvee Brunson and Kriston Barbee for the February 15, 2023, homicide of thirteen-year-old Orie Dodson. The charges are the culmination of a six-month-long investigation by members of the Homicide Task Force. The Homicide Task Force consists of detectives/investigators with the Gary Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Indiana State Excise Police, and additional assistance as needed from the F.B.I. and the A.T.F.
Evidence uncovered during the investigation found that Dahvee Brunson, 17 years old and Kriston Barbee, 17 years old, gunned down Orie Dodson on behalf of the 49th Avenue Boys Gang. Both Brunson and Barbee are residents of Gary, IN. Investigators have executed approximately fifty search warrants during this extensive investigation. These murder charges include a firearm enhancement and a criminal gang enhancement that could double the prison time if convicted. Each defendant faces up to 150 years in prison if convicted at trial.
During this investigation, the Homicide Task Force was able to uncover substantial evidence of gang-related crimes pertaining to the 49th Avenue Boys gang including several homicides, drug dealing, illegal firearm possession and sales, and general crimes of violence throughout Lake County.
Anyone with additional information as to Orie Dodson's homicide, or other homicides, is encouraged to contact the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force and submit tips at 219-755-3855. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
All suspects named in this release are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.