On the evening of February 24, 2026, a tragic event unfolded in a Kokomo, Indiana, apartment that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Jessica M. Tomlinson. Police were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of West Lincoln Road around 7 p.m. following a 911 call from Jessica's husband, 21-year-old Cameron Tomlinson. He reported that a woman had shot herself.
Upon their arrival, officers found Jessica on the floor with a gunshot wound to her upper torso.
Medics at the scene pronounced her dead. Also present in the apartment were Cameron and the couple's one-month-old infant daughter. The baby had sustained a significant gunshot wound to her hand.
Initially, responding officers were told that Jessica was handling a firearm when it accidentally discharged, and that she was holding the infant at the time. However, after collecting evidence from the apartment and conducting multiple interviews, investigators arrested Cameron Tomlinson. The Howard County Coroner's Office later determined the preliminary cause of Jessica's death to be a gunshot to the torso and ruled the manner of death a homicide. The infant was transported to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and was reported to be in stable condition.
The Howard County Prosecutor's Office charged Cameron Tomlinson with one count of reckless homicide and two counts of criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon. He was taken into custody and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information to contact the Kokomo Police Department.
Jessica, who was born in Cleburne, Texas, was described as a very artistic individual who enjoyed interpretive dance, free-hand drawing, and theatrical make-up. She is survived by her infant daughter, Harper Irene Tomlinson, as well as her parents and other family members.
