Fatal shooting on May 21 in South Bend ruled justified homicide
ABC 57 SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department announced on Tuesday that the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has determined it will not file criminal charges concerning the fatal shooting last month at a South Bend gas station.
Authorities say, around 9:15 p.m. on May 21, SBPD responded to the 300 block of S. Logan Street (Logan Quick Mart) on the report of a shooting.
When they arrived on scene, they found 56-year-old Jerry Barnette, of South Bend, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the gas station.
"A short time later, responding officers were advised of another individual, a juvenile male, suffering from a gunshot wound at a residence in Mishawaka," the SBPD said.
"Through an investigation, officers quickly determined this was connected to the initial scene on Logan Street. The juvenile was treated for non-life-threatening injuries."
From there, the SBPD’s Violent Crimes Unit reviewed the evidence from this shooting, including surveillance video.
"From the thorough investigation, it was determined that there was a verbal exchange between Barnette and the juvenile outside the business," the SBPD said.
"The juvenile then walked away and entered the business, with Barnette following a short time later. Barnette then re-engaged the juvenile, armed with a firearm. An exchange of gunfire ultimately occurred between Barnette and the juvenile before law enforcement was contacted."
The VCU sent its findings to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, which determined the shooting was self-defense and no charges will be filed.
