In the summer of 2003, the community of South Bend, Indiana, was shaken by the violent death of a local landlord. Stuart Statler, a 70-year-old white male, was found deceased on June 13, 2003. His body was discovered inside an empty apartment he owned at 916 Madison Street in the neighboring city of Elkhart. An autopsy would later confirm that Statler had been shot to death.
The investigation into the homicide brought forth a significant but ultimately frustrating lead.
A witness reported seeing two white males, believed to be in their twenties, running from the apartment building where Statler's body was later found. This observation led authorities to believe these two individuals may have been involved in the murder. Despite this initial lead, the case has grown cold over the years.
To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Stuart Statler, and no suspects have been publicly identified beyond the initial description of the two men seen fleeing the scene. The case remains an open and unsolved homicide. Law enforcement agencies have periodically sought information from the public in the hopes of generating new leads that could bring closure to Statler's family and justice for his murder. The passage of time has not diminished the hope that someone will come forward with the information needed to solve this long-standing case.
