In the early morning hours of July 21, 2019, tragedy struck in South Bend, Indiana, with the violent death of Christopher Maurice Chism, a 32-year-old Black male. The incident unfolded around 3:35 a.m. near Corby's Irish Pub on Niles Avenue, where police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, they discovered Chism deceased at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Two other individuals, Jamere Ronell Forrest and Jarell Seuell, were also injured in the shooting but were subsequently treated and released from the hospital.
Christopher, born on December 25, 1986, was a father to several children and a beloved member of his community. His family, including his mother and father, were left heartbroken and searching for answers in the wake of his sudden and violent death. His mother expressed her exhaustion with the gun violence plaguing the city, stating she never imagined it would impact her family so directly. Friends and family remembered Chism as a kind, caring, and loving person who would be deeply missed.
The investigation into Christopher Chism's murder remains ongoing, and as of now, no arrests have been made. The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit is actively seeking information from the public to help solve the case. Investigators have identified a vehicle of interest that was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting: a dark-colored sedan with large, aftermarket rims. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to Christopher and his grieving family.
