Gary, IN – A 26-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly shooting his girlfriend to death during a domestic dispute at their home. Charles Franklin is charged with murder, domestic battery in the presence of a child, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The shooting occurred Monday afternoon in the 2400 block of Pennsylvania Street. Franklin and his girlfriend, 26-year-old Arrianna Miles, were arguing when the incident escalated.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Miles was discussing ending their relationship and referencing past disputes. She reportedly grabbed a sawn-off shotgun from a closet, leading to a physical confrontation where the gun discharged.
Franklin called 911, claiming Miles had been shot. When asked by the dispatcher if the shooting was intentional, he hesitated before responding “no.”
Miles was heard saying, “Why would you do that?” Shortly after, she stated, “I’m dying,” before losing consciousness.
Police arrived to find Miles on a sofa with a gunshot wound to her abdomen. She requested officers to “please get him away from me,” before being taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
An autopsy confirmed that she died from a close-range gunshot wound. Investigators expressed skepticism about Franklin’s account, noting the trajectory of the shot and the presence of multiple shotgun shells in the home.
Court records reveal that Franklin has a history of legal issues, including a domestic battery charge from April and an intimidation charge from May. He is scheduled for an initial court hearing on Thursday.