On a fall evening in South Bend, Indiana, the life of 16-year-old Fredrick L. Williams was tragically cut short. On Saturday, October 17, 2020, at approximately 5:55 p.m., the sound of gunfire prompted a response from the South Bend Police Department after a 'Shot Spotter' activation in the 200 block of N. College Street. Shortly thereafter, a vehicle was found stopped in the 1000 block of N.
Brookfield Street, and inside, officers discovered a young man who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Despite the immediate aid rendered by the officers at the scene and the quick arrival of medical personnel, Fredrick L. Williams was pronounced deceased. The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit was activated to lead the investigation into the young man's death, securing both the location of the shooting at the intersection of College and Orange Streets and the scene where the vehicle was found.
Fredrick, born on November 19, 2003, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, was a student at Rise Up Academy. He was known for his love of listening to and creating rap music, playing basketball, and spending time with his family and friends. An autopsy was scheduled to be conducted as part of the active and ongoing investigation. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers. To date, no information regarding any arrests or identified suspects has been publicly released.
