A South Bend man has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy earlier this week.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office announced ON Thursday, March 5, that 27-year-old Keontice M. Reed of South Bend has been charged with murder, dealing in marijuana, and a felony firearm enhancement following the incident.
South Bend Police were called around 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, to the 1300 block of Dubail Street on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the investigation, officers also discovered a large amount of marijuana and cash at the location. Reed remained at the scene and was taken into custody by police.
Security video from the scene showed images of Reed walking outside the home and shooting the teen after seeing him open his car door and reaching inside.
South Bend Crime scene technicians executed a search warrant of the house where they located the guns to include the 45-caliber handgun as well as 45 caliber casing in the backyard where the shooting took place.
The crime scene technicians also located 2 large suitcases in the basement that were full of marijuana, and $12,801.00 in cash. The marijuana was collected after the search warrant was amended. The field weight of the marijuana was approximately 2,694.14 grams in vacuum sealed bags, several other smaller bags with marijuana in “nugget” form weighing approximately 994.84 grams. There were bags of loose green leafy that tested positive for synthetic marijuana weighing approximately 954.47 grams.
Prosecutors filed the following charges against Reed: murder, dealing in marijuana as a Level 6 felony, and a felony firearm enhancement.
Under Indiana law, a murder conviction carries a possible sentence of 45 to 65 years in prison. The Level 6 felony carries a possible sentence ranging from six months to two and a half years. The firearm enhancement could add an additional five to 20 years.
A judge has determined there is probable cause in the case and ordered Reed held without bond. He is currently being held at the St. Joseph County Jail.
Reed is scheduled to be arraigned Friday, March 6, at 1 p.m.
