Trial Opens for Dolton Man Charged in Hammond Apartment Double Slaying

Marvin 'Geno' Clark, 33, faces four counts of murder and three counts of burglary for the deaths of Gary Shanklin and Montelle 'Monty' Lang.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A trial has opened for Marvin 'Geno' Clark, a 33-year-old man from Dolton, Illinois, who is charged with four counts of murder and three counts of burglary in connection with a shooting that left two men dead at a Hammond apartment. The victims, Gary Shanklin and Montelle 'Monty' Lang, were found shot to death at the bottom of a stairwell after police were called to the Renaissance Towers apartment building on May 18.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and home invasions in the Hammond and Chicago metropolitan area, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in building cases without direct evidence like surveillance footage. The deaths of Shanklin and Lang have also raised questions about the role of domestic disputes and volatile relationships in fueling deadly confrontations.

The details

According to prosecutors, Clark and two co-defendants - Anthoney 'Mainski' Smothers and Daniel 'Danny' Harmon - went to the apartment of Smothers' ex-girlfriend, where Shanklin and Lang were visiting. When the ex-girlfriend didn't let them in, the men allegedly took off a screen and climbed through a living room window. A confrontation ensued, and Shanklin and Lang were shot and killed. Prosecutors argue the trio had a plan to ensure the other men didn't escape, calling the killings a 'cold-hearted' and 'deliberate execution.' However, the defense claims Clark wasn't present and had 'no idea' who shot the men.

  • The murders occurred around 3:30 a.m. on May 18.
  • Shanklin was acquitted in January 2025 of unrelated 2021 murders.
  • Smothers' next hearing is scheduled for March 12.
  • Harmon's next hearing is scheduled for March 15.

The players

Marvin 'Geno' Clark

A 33-year-old man from Dolton, Illinois, who is charged with four counts of murder and three counts of burglary in the deaths of Gary Shanklin and Montelle 'Monty' Lang.

Gary Shanklin

A 23-year-old man from East Chicago who was found shot to death at the bottom of a stairwell in the Hammond apartment building.

Montelle 'Monty' Lang

A 29-year-old man from Chicago who was found shot to death at the bottom of a stairwell in the Hammond apartment building.

Anthoney 'Mainski' Smothers

One of Clark's co-defendants and the ex-boyfriend of the woman whose apartment the incident occurred in.

Daniel 'Danny' Harmon

One of Clark's co-defendants who was with Smothers and Clark on the night of the murders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.