In the late hours of August 21, 2020, a tragic event unfolded in a Mishawaka, Indiana basement, culminating in the death of 28-year-old Ryan Gregory Serafino. A graduate of Jimtown High School, Serafino was known as a talented tradesman, having worked building boats and RVs, and most recently, in flooring. He was also a passionate musician and sports enthusiast.
That fateful night, Mishawaka police responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting on South Roosevelt Avenue.
Upon arrival, they discovered Serafino with gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics who transported him to Memorial Hospital, he was pronounced dead. Another man, Brandon Stahl, was also found at the scene with critical injuries from at least one gunshot wound.
The investigation into the shooting revealed a dispute between Serafino and Stahl, reportedly over a woman with whom both men had a relationship. According to court documents, Stahl had allegedly threatened to kill Serafino hours before the fatal altercation for 'breaking up his family.' The conflict escalated to an exchange of gunfire in the basement of the residence.
Brandon Stahl was arrested in connection with Serafino's death on October 29, 2020, and charged with murder and a felony firearm sentencing enhancement. The case proceeded to a four-day trial where Stahl's defense argued that he acted in self-defense. After approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury acquitted Stahl of the murder charge, citing significant questions about who fired the fatal shot.
