Details about a murder case have been unsealed in an effort to get information from the public that could lead to the arrest of a South Bend man who has been charged with murder…
Jason Jackson, 42, was charged with the murder of Ikeelee Lottie, late last year.
Lottie was shot and killed outside of D Blues Spot & Bistro located on Johnson Street.
The shooting stemmed from an argument between the two and Jackson’s brother.
The Prosecutor’s Office previously filed a motion to seal the case until Jackson was arrested or brought into custody.
But, as South Bend Police and U.S. Marshal’s Office have been unable to apprehend Jackson, the Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to unseal the case.
Jackson is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If anyone has any information, you’re asked to contact the South Bend Police Department Detective Bureau or call 911.
The Probable Cause Affidavit:
On 12/18/22, at approximately 3:07a.m. South Bend officers were dispatched to the area of Johnson St. and Rupel St. in South Bend, for a ShotSpotter activation, outside of D Blues Spot & Bistro located at 718 Johnson St.
Upon arrival, officers observed Ikeelee Lottie suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Ikeelee was later pronounced deceased at Memorial Hospital.
There were multiple witnesses on scene who were able to explain to officers that minutes before the shooting, Ikeelee, Jason Jackson, and Jackson’s brother were arguing outside the bar. Ikeelee pushed Jackson and punched Jackson’s brother causing the brother to fall backward. Then, Jackson pointed a gun at Ikeelee and fired three shots. The witnesses at the scene were familiar with all parties involved or were able to identify Jackson and his brother from a photo array.
Officers collected and watched surveillance video from the bar. The surveillance video confirmed and was consistent with witness statements. Officers identified Jackson in the surveillance video and observed Jackson standing near Ikeelee, then point what a appeared to be a handgun at Ikeelee, and fire. The bystanders all flee, while Jackson remains for a few seconds and signals to his brother to follow Jackson. Jackson can be seen walking away still holding what appears to be a handgun.
Three 9mm shell casings were located near where Jackson was standing in the surveillance video. Shot Spotter audio surveillance confirmed that there were three shots fired.
An autopsy was performed on Ikeelee on 12/20/22. The pathologist confirmed that Ikeelee was shot twice and died as a result of the gunshot wounds. Two projectiles were collected during the autopsy. The projectiles and spent casings were examined by a firearm tool mark examiner who confirmed that the projectiles were consistent in caliber to the casings, and all three casings recovered were fired from the same gun.
