On March 30, 2025, a deadly shooting took place at the Portside Pub in Hammond, Indiana, which has left the community in shock and mourning. The shooting claimed the lives of two individuals, bartender Paul and 32-year-old Lorraine Reyna, and injured three others. Authorities have identified Caprice Edward Cashaw, a 34-year-old man, as a person of interest in connection with the incident. Cashaw is currently in custody and facing multiple charges, including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license, among others.
The shooting took place early on Sunday morning, just before 4 a.m. on March 30, 2025. Officers from the Hammond Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at the Portside Pub, a popular nightlife spot in the city. Upon arrival, they found five people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of the victims, later identified as Paul, the bartender on duty, and Lorraine Reyna, were pronounced dead at the scene. The other three victims were rushed to local hospitals for treatment, with two of them in serious condition and one in stable condition.
Paul, a 48-year-old bartender, was well-liked and respected by his colleagues and the regular patrons of the pub. His coworkers described him as the heart and soul of the establishment, always ready with a smile, a joke, and a kind word for everyone. “Paul was always there for everyone, and it’s just so hard to believe he’s gone,” said one of his colleagues, visibly shaken. “He was more than just a bartender. He was a friend to all of us.” Paul had worked at Portside Pub for over five years, building strong relationships with the community. His death has left an enormous void in the lives of his colleagues and the many people who frequented the pub.
Lorraine Reyna, the second victim, was a beloved member of the Hammond community. According to her family, Lorraine was a loving mother and a kind-hearted woman who was always willing to lend a helping hand. “Lorraine was the kind of person who made you feel at ease, whether you were a stranger or a lifelong friend,” said one of her cousins, who requested to remain anonymous. “Her kindness knew no bounds, and her loss is something that will be felt deeply by all who knew her.” Lorraine had reportedly been visiting friends at the pub the night of the shooting, never imagining that her life would be tragically cut short.
The other three victims of the shooting, whose identities have not been released, were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Two of them remain in serious condition, while the third victim has been stabilized. The surviving victims are expected to provide crucial information about the incident, which could shed light on the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Caprice Edward Cashaw, the man arrested in connection with the shooting, has a troubling history that has raised concerns about his involvement in the deadly incident. A resident of Merrillville, Indiana, Cashaw has a criminal record that includes multiple offenses. In 2022, he 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 seriousness of the incident, Cashaw was charged with criminal recklessness, a Class B misdemeanor, rather than attempted murder, a felony. Court records show that the case against him has been delayed multiple times, with at least ten continuances granted. As a result, Cashaw was not incarcerated and was free to roam the streets, where he later allegedly committed this deadly shooting.
“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 sentiment echoes growing concerns among law enforcement officials about repeat offenders and the delays in legal proceedings that have allowed dangerous individuals like Cashaw to remain free.
As investigators continue to piece together the events of that fateful night, they are focusing on the possibility that the shooting was the result of a domestic-related dispute. “We are looking into all aspects of this incident, but early 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 understand the full sequence of events that led to this tragedy.” Authorities have not yet released further details, but they have called on the public to assist in the investigation by providing any relevant information. A hotline has been set up for anyone with information to contact Detective Lt. Ferry directly.
The tragic shooting has left the community of Hammond reeling. Many local residents are in disbelief that such violence could occur in their close-knit town. “This is a tight-knit community, and when something like this happens, it shakes everyone to their core,” said local resident Maria Gutierrez. “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 increased awareness and action on domestic violence, as well as a renewed focus on preventing such incidents from escalating to violence.
Local advocacy groups are speaking out in the wake of the shooting, urging for better 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.” The shooting has brought attention to the urgent need for stronger interventions in domestic disputes, with advocates pushing for more resources and better systems in place to protect those who are at risk.
One of the central concerns raised by this tragic event is the failure of the criminal justice system to address repeat offenders like Caprice Cashaw. Legal experts and law enforcement officials are voicing growing concern over the backlog of criminal cases and the delays in prosecuting offenders. “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 hold individuals accountable more quickly, especially those with violent tendencies.
As the investigation continues and authorities work to bring justice to the victims and their families, the community of Hammond is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The Portside Pub, where the shooting took place, remains closed as investigators continue their work. A memorial service is being planned for the victims, with community members rallying together to support the families of those affected by the tragedy.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served for Paul, Lorraine Reyna, and the other victims who were injured in the shooting. As the investigation progresses, Caprice Edward Cashaw remains in custody, facing serious charges that could lead to significant legal consequences. For the people of Hammond, the path forward will be one of reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of violence in their community. As residents come together to support the victims’ families, they hope that justice will be served and that such a tragic event will never happen again.
The post Caprice Edward Cashaw in Custody After Deadly Shooting at Hammond Portside Pub; Victims Identified as Paul and Lorraine Reyna first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
