In the early afternoon of a Tuesday in South Bend, Indiana, the sound of gunfire shattered the autumn quiet. On October 28, 2025, police received reports of shots fired in the 500 block of West Colfax Avenue. Moments later, another call came in about a man down in the same area. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 37-year-old Brien Franklin Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Franklin was a Black male.
The South Bend Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the shooting as a homicide. Detectives are actively working to determine a motive for the shooting and to identify any potential suspects. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and police have not released any information about a suspect or suspects. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward and have provided contact information for Michiana Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips.
Brien E. Franklin Jr. was born in South Bend on July 7, 1988, and his life was remembered as one filled with a love for his family and a passion for working with his hands, especially on cars. He was a father to four children who were described as the light of his life. His family, including his mother, grandmother, and twin brother, now mourns the loss of a man they remember as a beacon of love, creativity, and strength. The investigation into his untimely death remains ongoing as his loved ones await answers.
