Lizzie Kaboski

CROWN POINT — A Hammond teenager was charged with murder and dealing a controlled substance in connection with a 2024 homicide purportedly fueled by a romantic rivalry.

Jamari Mitchell, 17, allegedly shot Jakayo Clark, 18, of Hammond, during what was supposed to be a drug deal. Court records show there might have been a prior conflict, as Clark was dating a girl that Mitchell allegedly liked.

Clark and Mitchell were both found shot Nov. 16 in an alley behind the 7300 block of Columbia Avenue in Hammond, according to a probable cause affidavit. Clark was pronounced dead on the scene, and Mitchell was taken to a Chicago hospital for medical treatment.

Mitchell is the third juvenile to be charged in 2025 with murder in Lake County, according to previous reporting by The T

See Full Page