On the evening of April 3, 2021, a confrontation at the intersection of Donald and Webster Streets in South Bend, Indiana, ended in the death of 31-year-old David Allen Austin. Responding to a shooting report just before 9 p.m., South Bend Police officers discovered Austin with a single gunshot wound to his chest. Despite their efforts, he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy later confirmed that a gunshot wound was the cause of his death, and the manner was ruled a homicide.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit immediately began an investigation into the shooting. Through interviews with witnesses, including the 72-year-old man who fired the shot, a narrative of the moments leading up to the fatal incident emerged. According to an eyewitness who did not know either individual, Austin approached the older man in an aggressive manner, adopting what was described as a 'boxer's stance.' This was despite the fact that the 72-year-old was in possession of a handgun. The witness observed the shooter backing away while lowering his weapon as Austin continued to advance.
The shooter, who left the scene to call 911 from his home before returning to cooperate with police, told investigators that Austin had punched him in the head. He stated that he feared another blow could be fatal. Following a thorough review of the physical evidence and the witness statements, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office concluded that the shooter acted in self-defense.
In July 2021, the prosecutor's office announced that the shooting of David Austin was a justifiable homicide under Indiana law. As a result, no criminal charges were filed in connection with his death. The man who shot Austin was not arrested, and his identity was not publicly released by the authorities. The investigation into the death of David Austin was officially closed.
