Community reacts to South Bend shooting taking life of 12-year-old

SOUTH BEND, Ind - On Friday evening, around 9:30 pm, South Bend Police were called to the intersection of West Indiana and Prairie Avenue--where they discovered 12-year-old Josiah Small suffering from apparent gunshot wounds--he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say another 14-year-old boy was also shot, but he is expected to survive.

One neighbor, Austin Weldy, heard the tragic incident unfold.

“It's very disheartening to see somebody at 12 years old, even the 14-year-old that was non-life threatening, that’s still a big thing," said Weldy. "You know I have a daughter myself, so [...] that can happen anywhere at any time, and it seems like its common nowadays."

The 12-year-old victim, Small, went to Dickinson Fine Arts Academy.

In response, the South Bend Community School Corporation called the latest gun violence "heartbreaking" and "senseless."

Tessa Sutton, the head of Student Services with South Bend schools says they are taking steps to help his classmates cope with the loss.

“We work with the principal and the school staff to provide the support to students, families and our staff," said Sutton, "We call up upon our community partners to walk alongside us."

One of those community partners, Oaklawn Mental Health, is planning to bring in counselors and social workers throughout the week, says Sutton. 

“Whatever that need is," she said, "we work together across all our sectors to bring the support needed."

The South Bend Police Violent Crimes Unit is now investigating.

If you have any information on this deadly shooting, you're urged to contact the department or Michiana Crimestoppers at 574-288-stop.