New details released in murder of Jared Foltz

Jarrod Spigutz

The Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office has charged Jarrod Spigutz with murder in the death of Jared Foltz in the parking lot of Menards on May 28. The probable cause affidavit reveals new details in the crime.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on May 28, Elkhart Police responded to the Menards on Windsor Avenue to investigate the death of a man in the parking lot.

When police arrived, they found Foltz dead in the driver's seat of his Jeep Commander.

There were several spent shell casings in the front passenger seat of the Jeep, police said.

Several witnesses told police the suspect was driving a Toyota Camry with damage to the front bumper.

Less than ten minutes after police were called to the crime scene, the Toyota Camry was stopped by an officer on Sylvan Court.

The officer spoke with the driver, 18-year-old Jarrod Spigutz, and said he smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle.

The Camry was searched and a Taurus 9 mm semi automatic handgun and suspected marijuana were located in the vehicle, police said.

Spigutz was arrested and taken into custody on preliminary charges of possession of a handgun without a license and possession of marijuana.

Spigutz spoke with police and allegedly admitted to shooting Foltz. He told police he got into Foltz's Jeep to purchase marijuana. Spigutz said Foltz asked for his marijuana back so he shot Foltz.

Six witnesses spoke with police regarding the shooting.

One witness identified Spigutz in a photo lineup as the person they saw getting out of the passenger side of the Jeep after hearing gunshots, police said.

This witness told police they saw the suspect holding a handgun and putting the handgun in the trunk of the Camry.

At least five other witnesses spoke with police and provided information regarding the suspect or the suspect's vehicle.

Spigutz was officially charged on May 30. He is facing one count of murder, one count of carrying a handgun without a license and possession of marijuana.

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