Man killed after argument outside Portage job; coworker charged in his murder, police say
Man killed worked at Camaco, police said
PORTAGE, Ind. (WLS) -- A 22-year-old northwest Indiana man was killed during an argument outside a multi-use manufacturing complex early Wednesday morning, police said.
Portage police responded to the 6500-block of Ameriplex Drive about 3:30 a.m. for a reported shooting outside the Camaco building.
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When police arrived, they found the Burns Harbor man, who worked at Camaco, dead in the employee parking lot.
Witnesses told police that during a shift change there was a verbal argument between the man and the suspect before the shooting.
The suspect, 20-year-old Lupe McGee Jr. of Merrillville, Indiana was taken into custody around 9:30 a.m.
McGee is facing charges for murder and will be held without bond. Police also recovered a handgun believed to be the murder weapon
Police said the suspect is also an employee of Camaco.
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The victim's mother said her son, Le'Nell Jenkins, was killed.
She said her son had a baby on the way, and was excited about becoming a father.
"He meant the world to me; he still means the world to me, like. Right now, I am still in shock," Caroline Jenkins said.
She said she was at work overnight when she found out that Jenkins was shot.
"I didn't know the severity of it. I just knew he was shot. I didn't know he was shot dead," Jenkins said. "I don't know how bad of an argument it could have been to where you literally took my son's life. That's crazy."
Jenkins' grieving mother has a message for the shooter.
"Just turn yourself, like for real. Who are you to condemn someone else dying? You're not God. You're not God. And I hated you did what you did. You will reap what you sow," she said.
There were no other reported injuries, and police said there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Other businesses in the area are continuing with normal operations after the shooting Wednesday, police said.
Chopper 7 was over the scene about 6:30 a.m. Several police vehicles remained there. Crime scene tape and some debris were also visible.
Anyone with information on the homicide investigation is asked to call Detective Tony Dandurand at 219-764-5705.
Camaco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
