Man on Trial for Killing Ex-Girlfriend in Merrillville

Dejuan McIntyre accused of murdering Ashley Bitikofer and wounding her new boyfriend in a shooting outside a Menards store.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a violent crime.A single spent bullet casing found at the crime scene serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence.Gary Today

After an investigation, police alleged Dejuan McIntyre, now 45, of Gary, gunned down Ashley Bitikofer, 34, of Portage, his ex-girlfriend, and wounded the surviving man, whom she was seeing. McIntyre's trial started Monday. He is charged with murder and attempted murder and has pleaded not guilty.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for better support systems to prevent such incidents. The shooting also raises questions about gun violence and public safety in retail parking lots.

The details

According to prosecutors, Bitikofer and the surviving man were co-workers who went to a motel after work on the day of the shooting. McIntyre, Bitikofer's ex-boyfriend, found them there and followed the couple in his SUV. At a stoplight, the man noticed McIntyre get out of his vehicle, and shortly after, gunshots were heard. Bitikofer called 911, saying 'Stop, the cops are coming,' before more shots were fired. Police later found a gun pocket under the hood of McIntyre's vehicle, and the ammunition matched the crime scene, though the gun itself did not.

  • On June 8, 2023, police were called to the Merrillville Menards parking lot at 11:13 p.m. after a crash.
  • Bitikofer was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:15 a.m.

The players

Dejuan McIntyre

A 45-year-old man from Gary, Indiana, who is on trial for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Bitikofer, and the attempted murder of the man she was seeing.

Ashley Bitikofer

A 34-year-old woman from Portage, Indiana, who was killed in the shooting outside the Merrillville Menards store.

Gary Henry

A Merrillville Police Corporal who arrived at the crash scene and tried to get information from the surviving gunshot victim.

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What they’re saying

“'Stop, the cops are coming,'”

— Ashley Bitikofer

“'I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please don't. Please, please, stop, please,'”

— Ashley Bitikofer

“'Tell my kids I love them and I'm sorry.'”

— Surviving Gunshot Victim

What’s next

The trial of Dejuan McIntyre is ongoing, and the judge, Natalie Bokota, will preside over the proceedings.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better support systems and interventions to prevent domestic violence and protect victims. It also underscores the broader issue of gun violence and public safety in retail settings.