Caprice Edward Cashaw in Custody After Deadly Shooting at Hammond Portside Pub; Victims Identified as Paul and Lorraine Reyna
HAMMOND, IN – A person of interest, identified as 34-year-old Caprice Edward Cashaw, is in custody following a deadly shooting that took place early Sunday morning at the Portside Pub in Hammond, Indiana, which left five people shot, including two fatalities. Authorities have confirmed that the victims have been identified as bartender Paul (last name not immediately available) and Lorraine Reyna, a woman with family ties to the area. The other three individuals who were injured are currently being treated in local hospitals, with two of them in serious condition and one having been stabilized.
The Tragic Event Unfolds at Portside Pub
At approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, Hammond Police Department officers received multiple reports of gunfire at the Portside Pub, located at 1516 Indianapolis Boulevard, a popular nightlife spot in the city. Upon their arrival, officers found five individuals suffering from gunshot wounds inside the pub. Two victims, identified later as 48-year-old Paul, the bartender on duty, and 32-year-old Lorraine Reyna, were pronounced dead at the scene. The authorities have confirmed that the shooting appears to be a result of a domestic-related dispute, though the full details surrounding the motive remain under investigation.
Victims Identified: Paul and Lorraine Reyna
Paul, a 48-year-old bartender at Portside Pub, was described by his colleagues as well-liked and dependable, known for his friendly demeanor and quick wit. “Paul was the heart of the pub,” said one coworker, visibly distraught. “He was always there for everyone, and it’s just so hard to believe he’s gone.” Paul had worked at Portside Pub for over five years and had become a fixture in the Hammond community. The circumstances surrounding his death have left his colleagues and patrons in disbelief, as he was not just a bartender but someone who had built strong relationships with regulars at the pub.
The second victim, Lorraine Reyna, was identified by her family members as a loving mother and a respected member of the Hammond community. “Lorraine was the kind of person who always made you feel at ease, whether you were a stranger or a lifelong friend,” said her cousin, who requested to remain anonymous out of respect for the family’s grieving process. Lorraine was known for her kind heart, and her death has left a void in the lives of those who loved her. Lorraine had reportedly been at the pub visiting friends that fateful night, never imagining it would be her last.
The Three Surviving Victims and Their Conditions
The three other victims, whose names have not been released, were transported to a nearby hospital after the shooting. Authorities confirmed that two of the victims are in serious condition, while the third individual, whose injuries were less severe, has been stabilized. “The surviving victims are currently receiving care,” stated a representative from the hospital. “Their injuries are being closely monitored, and we are hopeful for their recovery, though they are still facing significant medical challenges.”
Though their conditions remain critical, the surviving victims are expected to provide crucial information about the sequence of events leading up to the deadly shooting.
Caprice Edward Cashaw: A History of Trouble
As authorities work to piece together the events of the shooting, attention has turned to 34-year-old Caprice Edward Cashaw, who is currently in custody and being held as a person of interest. Cashaw, a resident of Merrillville, Indiana, has a criminal record that raises concerns about why he was not previously incarcerated, particularly in light of his past offenses.
In 2022, Cashaw was involved in an incident at an East Chicago casino, where he allegedly attempted to run over an Indiana Gaming Commission agent in a parking lot. Despite the severity of the event, Cashaw was charged with criminal recklessness, a Class B misdemeanor, rather than attempted murder, a felony. Court records reveal that the case against Cashaw has been delayed multiple times over the past three years, with at least ten continuances granted by the courts. This prolonged legal process meant that Cashaw was not convicted and subsequently not incarcerated.
“This is a tragic situation—one that could have been prevented,” said a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Cashaw should have been in jail for endangering that gaming agent, not out on the streets, where he ultimately took two lives and wounded three others.”
This statement underscores ongoing concerns about repeat offenders in the criminal justice system and the impact of delays in legal proceedings. The case highlights a growing frustration among law enforcement officials, who are increasingly alarmed by the backlog of criminal cases and the challenges they present in preventing violent incidents.
Investigation Underway: Domestic-Related Incident Believed to Be the Motive
While authorities have not yet disclosed all the details of the investigation, they believe the shooting was the result of a domestic-related dispute. “We are investigating all aspects of this incident, but initial evidence suggests that this was an altercation tied to personal issues,” said Detective Lt. Marc Ferry of the Hammond Police Department. “We’re doing everything we can to piece together the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
As investigators continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses, they are asking the public for any information that might help with the case. Hammond Police have established a hotline for anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Lt. Ferry directly at (219) 852-2906.
The Aftermath: Community Shocked and Grieving
The shooting at Portside Pub has left the local community reeling. Many residents have expressed shock and sadness over the loss of two lives and the injury of three others. “This is a tight-knit community, and when something like this happens, it shakes everyone to their core,” said local resident Maria Gutierrez, who often frequented the pub. “I can’t believe that something like this could happen right here in Hammond. We’re all just trying to make sense of it.”
The tragedy has prompted calls for greater awareness of domestic violence and the need for more robust interventions to prevent such incidents from escalating to violence. Local advocacy groups are now speaking out in the wake of the shooting, urging for increased support for victims of domestic abuse.
“This kind of violence is preventable,” said Sheila Martinez, the director of a local women’s shelter. “We need to do more to support victims of domestic violence and provide them with the resources they need to escape dangerous situations before it’s too late.”
Ongoing Concerns About the Criminal Justice System
One of the central issues raised by this tragic event is the apparent failure of the criminal justice system to adequately address repeat offenders like Caprice Cashaw. Legal experts and law enforcement officials are voicing growing concern over the backlog of cases and the delays in holding offenders accountable for their actions.
“This is a perfect example of how the system is failing to protect the public,” said criminal defense attorney Robert Harrison. “When someone like Cashaw, with his criminal history, is allowed to remain on the streets because of repeated delays in his case, it’s only a matter of time before something like this happens.”
Experts argue that more needs to be done to streamline the legal process and reduce the number of continuances granted to criminal defendants. Additionally, there are calls for increased oversight of individuals with histories of violent behavior to ensure that they do not pose a danger to society.
Portside Pub and the Local Community: A Place of Healing
As the investigation continues and authorities work to bring justice to the victims and their families, the local community is finding ways to heal from the shock of the incident. Many regulars at Portside Pub have organized memorials for Paul and Lorraine, expressing their grief and support for their families.
“We want to honor them,” said one longtime patron of the pub. “Paul and Lorraine were good people, and we will never forget them. This is a tragic loss for our community, and we just want their families to know we are here for them.”
At this time, Portside Pub remains closed as authorities continue their investigation, and a memorial service for the victims is being planned in the coming days.
The Road Ahead: Seeking Justice for the Victims
As the investigation progresses, Caprice Edward Cashaw remains in custody, facing serious charges that could lead to significant legal consequences. The authorities are focused on gathering all necessary evidence to ensure that justice is served for Paul, Lorraine Reyna, and the other victims who were affected by the senseless violence that unfolded at Portside Pub.
For the community of Hammond, the path forward will require reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and domestic disputes. Local leaders are urging citizens to stay vigilant and report any information that may assist in bringing clarity to the case.
As the days go by, the residents of Hammond continue to support the victims’ families, hoping that justice will be served and that such an event will never happen again.
