A shooting at the Best Western Hotel in Mishawaka on Monday, Jan. 20, left one man dead, prompting an ongoing investigation by local police. Authorities responded to a call about the incident at approximately 3:20 a.m. and discovered Anthony Korolis, 35, lying near the entrance to a hotel room with gunshot wounds to his chest and head. Korolis was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 9mm handgun was found next to Korolis, and it was fully loaded with one round in the chamber. Police also recovered three .40 caliber casings from the room, along with drug paraphernalia, a pill identified as clonazepam, and a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Investigators later spoke with Justin Levi Bonham, 34, who admitted to shooting Korolis. Bonham claimed he fired at Korolis after seeing him enter the room armed, stating he acted out of fear for his own safety.
Under Indiana law, the use of deadly force may be justified in self-defense if a person believes they are at risk of serious bodily harm or facing a forcible felony. At this time, authorities have not been able to disprove Bonham’s claim of self-defense, and the investigation remains open.
However, Bonham was formally charged on January 22, 2025, with multiple offenses related to illegal drugs and firearms. The charges include:
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun with a Prior Felony Conviction
Bonham faces potential sentences ranging from 60 days to six years, depending on the charges, with fines up to $10,000.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Korolis’ death.