Kia Tidwell murder: Gary man arrested in fatal shooting of mother of six
GARY, Ind. - Authorities have arrested a Gary man in connection with the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Kia Tidwell, a mother of six who was killed by a stray bullet while driving in September 2024.
Fatal Shooting
What we know:
Gary police say Tedric Rondell Guy Jr. fired the shot that killed Tidwell while he was targeting another vehicle in a shooting near a McDonald’s on 5th Avenue.
According to investigators, Guy Jr. was standing near an apartment complex when he allegedly opened fire on an orange Dodge Charger in the restaurant’s drive-thru. Surveillance footage captured muzzle flashes from the complex, followed by return fire from the occupants of the Charger before they fled. Police recovered at least 15 shell casings at the scene.
Tidwell, who was passing through the area while on the phone with her daughter, was hit in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police linked Guy Jr. to the shooting through social media posts, cellphone data placing him at the scene an hour before the attack, and tips from the public.
Police documents also reference Facebook posts in which Guy Jr. rapped about putting "bullets all through his ride" and other lyrics that specifically mention a Charger.
What they're saying:
At a news conference Tuesday, Tidwell’s father, Bishop James Tidwell, spoke about his daughter’s death.
"When my children were little, I was their protector," he said. "But you know, in this case right here, I couldn't protect my daughter because I didn't know this was going to happen."
"People these days really need to get to the Lord… children are not being raised these days. No dad around. Momma trying to do it. Everybody want to turn to drugs and stuff… they shoot so much… they need cleaning up."
Tidwell, one of 10 siblings, was known for her kindness and generosity. Friends and family described her as a loving mother who put others before herself.
Tedric Rondell Guy Jr. and Kia Tidwell
What's next:
Guy Jr. faces multiple felony charges, including murder and attempted murder. It is unclear when he will appear in court.
READ: Probable Cause Affidavit