Authorities identified Antione Pierson Jr., 22, of Portage, as the man charged with Seth’s murder. Court records described surveillance video that investigators say captured the shooting in the parking lot. Pierson also faces charges related to unlawful possession of a handgun and resisting law enforcement. Camilo Chavez, 22, of Lake Station, who authorities allege was with Pierson, faces a separate charge of assisting a criminal. These are allegations being addressed through the legal process, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
According to court records, witnesses described two men leaving the scene in a black Honda Accord. A Porter County Sheriff’s deputy later located the vehicle, and a pursuit ended in a crash near State Road 249 and Interstate 94. Pierson and Chavez were taken into custody within approximately an hour of the shooting, and investigators reported recovering a handgun from the vehicle. Police continue to investigate the events leading up to the confrontation and the circumstances surrounding Seth’s death.
An autopsy conducted by the Porter County Coroner’s Office determined that Seth died from severe blood loss caused by his gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide. While the investigation and court proceedings seek to establish accountability, the loss for those closest to Seth is personal and profound. Friends and family now face the painful reality of his absence, holding on to memories of the time they shared with him and the place he occupied in their lives.
As Valparaiso remembers Seth Jankowski, the community is left to grieve a life cut short and to support those most affected by his death. In the days following a tragedy, compassion and respect matter—especially for a grieving family navigating both loss and public attention. May Seth’s loved ones find comfort in their shared memories and strength in the support of friends and neighbours, while the legal process continues to address the serious charges arising from this case.
