Two teenagers are suspected in connection with the shooting death of a St. Joseph County corrections officer.
It was back in late June when Rhema Harris, 28, died after receiving a gunshot wound to the chest during a drive-by shooting. Harris was inside a home with several others, including children, in the 1900 block of Milburn Blvd. when she was struck and killed.
One of the suspects, Braxton Bird, 17, was arrested late last month on an unrelated matter and is now charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal recklessness. He could face as many as 110 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
The other suspect, A 14-year-old, was arrested last Thursday.
During a detention hearing, Tuesday, St. Joseph County Probate Court made the initial determination to detain the younger teen, though the prosecutor is working to have the case moved to adult court.
One of the others at the home pointed police in the direction of Bird. She said Bird was upset with her after he was arrested for burglarizing her stepfather’s home. Bird was adjudicated in that matter and on GPS monitoring. She told officers Bird send her threatening social media messages.
Police determined a rifle and a handgun were used in the shooting and it was a shot from the rifle that struck and killed Harris. Police interviewed three of those in the vehicle used in the drive-by who all said Bird fired the rifle and his younger brother fired the handgun.
Harris worked as a correctional officer at the jail for nearly one year. She was also in the testing process to become a St. Joseph County Police Officer.
“Our hearts and our prayers continue go out to Rhema’s mother Georgia, and the Harris &
Duncan families today and every day. Although the wound of Rhema’s death will never completely heal, today’s small step forward is welcomed news for our department. Rhema was a cherished and valuable member of our jail family. The loss had deeply affected many of our Jail family Rhema Harris Badge #2081 will always have a place of honor with this family.” – Sheriff William J. Redman
Harris also served her country in the United States Army. She received a national defense service award, global war on terrorism service medal and an Army service ribbon.
Sheriff Redman will be asking the court to order the suspects charged with Rhema’s murder be held in a facility other than the St. Joseph County Jail. The Jail has contacted the IDOC asking for assistance housing the two juveniles and will continue to work to find alternate housing for these individuals.
