Lizzie Kaboski

CROWN POINT — Prosecutors filed charges Thursday morning in the death of a 34-year-old Gary man who had attempted to shake his alleged killer's hand before he was shot three times Tuesday night.

Darren Bryant Jr., 32, of Gary, faces a murder charge and a firearm enhancement in the homicide of Robert Gaskin, Lake Criminal Court records show. Gaskin was found dead on the street near Old Miller Road and Lake Street in Gary's Miller Beach neighborhood.

Witnesses told police Gaskin was inside the Thumbs Up Tavern, 620 S. Lake St., saying hello to patrons when Bryant entered the bar with a gun. Gaskin attempted to shake Bryant's hand and give him a hug, according to a probable cause affidavit. The shooter fired three shots at Gaskin, who ran but collapsed on the ground before h

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