In the early morning hours of Sunday, December 19, 2021, in South Bend, Indiana, the life of 22-year-old ShaeLeigh Zeiger was tragically cut short. She and her 31-year-old boyfriend, Brandon Smith, were shot and killed near the intersection of Franklin and Ewing Street at approximately 2:45 AM. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered both Zeiger and Smith with gunshot wounds and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
ShaeLeigh, born on March 24, 1999, was described as having a
vibrant and energetic personality. Her obituary paints a picture of a young woman with a 'natural and pure beauty, heart, and soul unlike any other,' whose smile and infectious laughter could instantly turn a stranger into a friend. She had a passion for life that led her to a variety of interests, from ballroom dancing in her youth to extreme sports like target shooting, bow hunting, and stunt riding as she got older. She was a graduate of Concord High School and had worked in various roles, including as a makeup artist and a production line worker.
The investigation into the double homicide was handled by the South Bend Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit. While several people were interviewed, no suspects were immediately taken into custody. The case was eventually presented to a grand jury in July 2022. The grand jury, however, concluded that no criminal charges should be filed against the shooter, citing Indiana's self-defense laws.
Despite the grand jury's decision, the police investigation into the deaths of ShaeLeigh Zeiger and Brandon Smith remains open, pending any new information. Investigators believe there may be witnesses to the shooting who have not yet come forward. They have urged anyone with information to contact the South Bend Police Detective Bureau or Michiana Crime Stoppers. The families of both victims continue to seek justice and closure in the wake of their devastating loss.
