A routine walk with a family dog ended in tragedy for a 79-year-old Gary man, who was fatally shot Wednesday night, authorities say.
That night, Cornelius Olive’s daughter found him bleeding and unresponsive just yards from the front door of their home in the 3200 block of West 21st Place. Olive was out doing something he loved – walking her granddaughter’s dog, Kenzo.
“When I pulled up he was right there on the street,” said his daughter, Kimberly Olive.
A retired steelworker, Cornelius moved back to Gary a few years ago from Mississippi to be closer to his family.
His son says he was a hard-working, humble man who loved animals, gardening and giving back.
“He just had [a] way with people,” said his son, Kirt Olive.
Cornelius Olive recently celebrated his 53rd wedding anniversary with his wife.
Gary police have named Tyree Gaines, 24, a person with an interest in Cornelius’ death and believe he is armed and dangerous, according to a news release. Gaines emailed the town of Gary, as well as nearby communities, and made email threats, authorities said.
Anyone who sees Gaines is asked not to approach him.
“We just hope they find the person – or turn themselves in,” Kimberly said.
Anyone with information is asked to dial 911 immediately, call Sgt. W. Poe at 219-755-3855 or the Gary Police Crime Tip hotline at 1-866-CRIME-GP.