The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a Petition for Waiver of Jurisdiction of the 14-year-old boy who is a suspect in the death of a St. Joseph County Corrections Officer.

Rhema Harris, 28, of Mishawaka died in a drive-by shooting back in June. She was inside her home when a car went through the alley, off of Milburn Avenue, and fired shots, sending others running for safety.

Braxton Bird, 17, was charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal recklessness in adult court.

A hearing to determine whether his 14-year-old brother will be waived to adult court has
been scheduled for Sep. 16.

The following information was sent to 95.3 MNC from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office:

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a Petition for Waiver of Jurisdiction of the 14-year-old male suspect in the death of Rhema Harris, 28, of Mishawaka.

A hearing to determine whether the juvenile will be waived to adult court has
been scheduled for Sept. 16, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.

On Aug. 26, Magistrate Graham C. Polando authorized the filing of a petition alleging
delinquency for the 14 year-old, of South Bend, for his role in the June 26, 2022, death of
Ms. Harris.

Following a review of the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office’s delinquency petition,
the Court found that there is probable cause to believe Mr. Rios is a delinquent child with
regard to the commission of the following offenses:

Count I: Murder, a felony when committed by an adult
Count II: Attempted Murder, a level 1 felony when committed by an adult
Count III: Criminal Recklessness, a level 5 felony when committed by an adult

The teenager is currently detained at the Thomas N. Frederick Juvenile Justice Center.