Crime
Police Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting at Martin’s Supermarket in Elkhart, Three Dead, Two Officers Injured
One of the victims was identified as Ben Jeffery, a community member known for his selfless spirit.
UPDATE: Authorities are continuing their investigation into a tragic shooting at Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart, Indiana, that claimed the lives of two individuals and left two law enforcement officers injured.
The victims have been identified as Benjamin S. Jeffrey, 49, and Annasue Rocha, 19, both residents of Elkhart. Rocha was employed at the supermarket, while Jeffrey was a customer present at the time of the attack.
According to investigators, a lone gunman opened fire inside the store at approximately 5:45 p.m., endangering multiple individuals before ultimately killing Rocha and Jeffrey.
After the shooting, the suspect exited the store, where he was confronted by two officers from the Elkhart Police Department. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officers, who returned fire, fatally striking him.
The officers involved in the confrontation were identified as Corporal Paul Vandenburg and Patrolman Ethan Pasternak.
Both officers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently recovering from their injuries. Patrolman Pasternak remains hospitalized in fair and stable condition.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Authorities are conducting an investigation into a tragic officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday evening near Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart, Indiana.
The incident unfolded shortly after 5:30 p.m., when Elkhart Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the supermarket. According to police, on-duty officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect during the confrontation.
The Elkhart Police Department has confirmed that two officers were injured in the incident and are currently in stable condition. Tragically, three individuals, including the alleged suspect, lost their lives during the shooting.
Mayor Rod Roberson expressed his deep sorrow in a public statement:
“Our hearts are broken in Elkhart tonight. Please continue to pray for the victims, including our two injured officers, our heroic first responders, and all those affected by this tragedy. There is no immediate danger to the public. If you witnessed the incident or have any information, please contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit at 574-295-2825.”
Governor Mike Braun also addressed the incident, stating:
“As details emerge about the shooting in Elkhart, we are in communication with state and local law enforcement. Maureen and I are praying for the victims and their families.”
Congressman Rudy Yakym shared his condolences, saying:
“I am horrified by the tragic news out of Elkhart tonight and am being briefed as information becomes available. Our team is in touch with Mayor Rod Roberson, the Elkhart Police Department, and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. We stand ready to offer any support needed.”
The South Bend Police Department also extended their thoughts and prayers to their colleagues at the Elkhart Police Department and the entire community.
Following the incident, the two injured officers were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The hospital was placed on lockdown from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. At least 14 squad cars were present outside the hospital as officers awaited updates on their colleagues’ conditions.
Police Chief Kris Seymore addressed the community, calling the events a “tragic evening” and expressing gratitude for the support of first responders and law enforcement.
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation. Police have confirmed that the scene is secure, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit at 574-295-2825 or the Elkhart Police Department.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Elkhart community, with many expressing grief and solidarity for the victims and their families. Vigils and gatherings are expected to take place in the coming days to honor the lives lost and support those affected by the devastating event.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the full details of the incident. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.