Woman Avoids Prison in Lake Station Drug Robbery Shooting

Makhia Fraley pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal after driving the getaway car.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the metallic surface reflecting a faint red glow under harsh lighting, conceptually representing the gritty aftermath of a drug-related shooting.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the violence that can erupt from drug-related crimes.Gary Today

A 21-year-old woman named Makhia Fraley avoided prison time on Tuesday after pleading guilty to assisting a criminal in connection with a 2024 drug robbery and shooting in Lake Station, Indiana. Fraley drove the getaway car for the accomplices - Jeremiah Rogers, Jehad Colvin, and a 16-year-old shooter named Robert Woodward - after they shot and seriously injured a marijuana dealer and his mother. Fraley was originally charged with more serious crimes but reached a plea deal for a 3-year sentence in Lake County Community Corrections.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face in balancing accountability for serious crimes with the circumstances and backgrounds of those involved, especially when minors are implicated. The plea deal for Fraley, who was not the shooter but still played a role, reflects the complexities of navigating the criminal justice system for drug-related offenses.

The details

According to police, on April 3, 2024, the victim called 911 saying he and his mother had been shot during a drug robbery setup. The accomplices - Jeremiah Rogers, Jehad Colvin, and a 16-year-old named Robert Woodward - were originally charged with attempted murder, robbery, and aggravated battery. Woodward, who pitched the idea to rob the marijuana dealer, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2025. Fraley, who drove the getaway car, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to the lesser charge of assisting a criminal and was sentenced to 3 years in Lake County Community Corrections.

  • On April 3, 2024, police responded to a 911 call about a shooting during a drug robbery.
  • In April 2025, Robert Woodward was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the crime.
  • In February 2026, Makhia Fraley pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal and was sentenced.

The players

Makhia Fraley

A 21-year-old woman from Rensselaer, Indiana who pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal in the 2024 Lake Station drug robbery and shooting.

Jeremiah Rogers

One of the accomplices charged in the 2024 Lake Station drug robbery and shooting.

Jehad Colvin

One of the accomplices charged in the 2024 Lake Station drug robbery and shooting.

Robert Woodward

A 16-year-old at the time who pitched the idea to rob the marijuana dealer and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2025 for his role in the crime.

Samuel Cappas

The judge who sentenced Makhia Fraley to 3 years in Lake County Community Corrections.

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What they’re saying

“The plea was a break with a 4-year capped sentence, she argued. Fraley saw them in the car with weapons.”

— Kasey Dafoe, Deputy Prosecutor

“She had a child with co-defendant Jeremiah Rogers, who was imprisoned. She learned of the shooting after they got back in the car, he said.”

— Joe Curosh, Defense Lawyer

“Fraley apologized in court, saying she wanted to move on.”

— Makhia Fraley

“Cappas later said she didn't show any remorse for the victims.”

— Samuel Cappas, Judge

What’s next

The judge's comments about Fraley's lack of remorse for the victims may be a point of appeal or further consideration in her case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of prosecuting drug-related crimes, especially when minors are involved, and the challenges of balancing accountability with individual circumstances and backgrounds.