Michael Howie

CROWN POINT — Maurice Berry Jr., the Hammond man found guilty in May of murdering a romantic rival at an East Chicago gas station last year, was sentenced Wednesday to 82 years in prison.

The Hammond man, 22, was found guilty of an amended charge of voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder, aggravated battery, possession of a machine gun and three firearm enhancements. He was found not guilty of misdemeanor theft. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours in May.

Berry shot Javier Olvera-Aguilar, of East Chicago, March 30, 2024, inside a BP gas station at 4502 Indianapolis Blvd. while he was supposedly aiming for the other victim who witnesses identified as his ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend, according to evidence and testimony presented at trial.

At trial, pros

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