Gary, Indiana Shooting: Tedric Rondell Guy Jr. Arrested for Alleged Involvement in the Murder of Kia Tidwell, a Mother in Portage, Murder Near McDonald’s on 5th Avenue

GARY, Ind. (WLS) — An arrest has been made in the shooting death of a mother of six in Gary, officials announced Tuesday.

Kia Tidwell’s family is finding closure in the recent developments. However, they acknowledge that no amount of closure can fill the void left by their beloved daughter, sister, and mother. Kia was known for her relentless efforts to combat the very violence that ultimately took her life.

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Kia’s family stood alongside Gary city and police officials as they announced an arrest and charges in her murder.

Expressing her feelings, Charlotta Tidwell Ford, Kia’s sister, shared, “I didn’t expect this outcome to arrive so soon, but I find solace in the unity displayed by the community during this period.” She described the experience as bittersweet, admitting to feeling a mix of happiness and sorrow.

Gary police say 20-year-old Tedric Guy Jr. was arrested Monday and is now facing multiple felony charges, including murder.

Investigators say it was the public who led them to their suspect.

Reflecting on the progress made, Gary Police Chief Derrick Canon remarked, “Just five months back, we were gathered at this very location, urging the public to step forward with any information. Today, I am pleased to declare that our call to action has been answered.”

Gary police say the 42-year-old mother of six was on her way home to Portage when she was struck and killed by stray bullet. This happened last September near 5th Avenue and Grant Street, by a McDonald’s.

“She just left my house, just got done talking to her and then we got the call what had took place,” said James Tidwell, Kia’s father.

Kia’s family says she was crusader for her community, killed by the violence she worked tirelessly to prevent.

“She always tried to help her community, help the young people so they wouldn’t resolve to this kind of violence – the violence that took her life,” Charlotta said.

According to court documents, the suspect was allegedly targeting a group of people in an orange Dodge Charger at the McDonald’s drive thru.

Gary police previously said the shooting took place with officers already on the scene.

Investigators linked the suspect to Kia’s murder through multiple forms of evidence.

“We also used shell case analysis in this case, and multiple warrants were served on locations, vehicles and other evidence, including social media,” Canon said.

The Tidwell family is calling for an increased police presence in Gary as they try to continue the work Kia dedicated her life to.

Meanwhile, the suspect will have his first court appearance this week.