In the early hours of a Sunday morning, the life of 19-year-old Benjamin Harris Jr. was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire on the streets of South Bend, Indiana. On July 25, 2021, at approximately 4:02 a.m., South Bend Police Department officers were dispatched to the 700 block of N. Brookfield Street after a 'Shotspotter' activation indicated multiple gunshots had been fired in the area.
The young man, known affectionately to his family and friends as Bug, was a resident of South Bend and had recently embarked on the journey of fatherhood.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered numerous shell casings scattered across the street. A grim scene unfolded as they found a gold Ford Taurus that had struck a parked vehicle, spun around, and overturned. Inside the wreckage was the driver, Benjamin Harris Jr., suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were rendered at the scene, and he was rushed to a local hospital, but his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced deceased. The front-seat passenger, 21-year-old Tyreese Malone of Mishawaka, survived the incident with non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash and was treated at a hospital before being released.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit was activated to lead the investigation into the shooting. Authorities believe another vehicle, described as a dark-colored sedan, was involved in the incident and fled the scene. Despite interviewing witnesses, investigators have not released any information about a possible suspect or suspects in the killing of Benjamin Harris Jr. The investigation remains ongoing, and as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide.
Family and friends remember Benjamin as the life of the party and a jokester who was deeply loyal to his loved ones. Just days before his death, he had started a new job, a step he was taking to turn his life around for his baby girl. His death left a void in the lives of his parents, siblings, and the rest of his family, who continue to seek answers and justice. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that may aid investigators in solving this case.
