A dispute that began between two women inside a South Bend, Indiana nightclub tragically escalated, leaving 35-year-old Tolies B. Word Jr. dead from a gunshot wound on November 25, 2017. The incident, which unfolded outside the Elva's Fiesta Club on Indiana Avenue, was ultimately ruled a justifiable homicide by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office.
The chain of events began with an argument between Word's wife and the girlfriend of another man, Brandon McKinney.
After the two women were removed from the club, Word was called to the scene. Believing that McKinney had physically assaulted his wife, Word confronted him in the parking lot. During the ensuing altercation, Word drew a handgun and fired at McKinney, wounding him.
A security guard at the establishment witnessed the shooting and intervened. Seeing Word armed and actively shooting, the guard discharged his own firearm, striking and killing Word. An investigation by the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit followed, which included a review of video evidence and witness testimonies.
The prosecutor's office concluded that the security guard was legally justified in using deadly force to protect McKinney from further harm. As a result, the guard faced no charges in connection with Word's death. However, investigators discovered that the guard did not possess a valid license to carry a handgun, and he was subsequently charged with a misdemeanor for this offense. The name of the security guard was not made public. Brandon McKinney was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Loved ones remembered Tolies Word Jr. as a devoted father of four and a man with a great sense of humor. He was the proprietor of Black Diamond Lawn Services, a business he was passionate about. His wife, Shardae, was present when the fatal shooting occurred.
