In the early morning hours of a Thursday in South Bend, Indiana, a tragic incident unfolded that would claim the life of 25-year-old Casey Lee McLean. On March 16, 2017, he and a friend, 21-year-old Sheldon Camarillo, were involved in a double shooting on South Bendix Drive. The nature of the events that transpired was not one of a typical violent crime, but rather a situation that authorities would later describe as 'reckless.'
Both men sustained gunshot wounds in the incident.
Emergency services responded to the scene, and both McLean and Camarillo were transported to a local hospital. Camarillo succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. McLean fought for his life throughout the day but ultimately passed away that afternoon. The loss was a significant blow to their families and the local community, leaving many to mourn the sudden and unexpected deaths of two young men.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit was activated to investigate the double fatality. As detectives delved into the circumstances surrounding the shootings, a narrative of misadventure began to emerge. The investigation concluded that there were no outside suspects involved in the incident. Instead, it was determined that the two men had been engaged in dangerous and reckless behavior with a firearm, which led to the fatal shootings.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office ruled that the deaths of Casey McLean and Sheldon Camarillo were the result of an accidental shooting. Consequently, no arrests were made, and no criminal charges were filed in connection with the case. The investigation was closed, leaving a community to grapple with a tragic story of how a moment of recklessness with a firearm resulted in the loss of two lives. Casey McLean was a lifelong resident of South Bend and worked for his family's business, McLean's Tree Service. He was a married father of four children.
