Crime
Officials Identify Shooter and Victims in Elkhart Martin’s Supermarket Shooting
Elkhart County, Indiana – January 27, 2025 – 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.
The suspect responsible for the fatal attack has been identified as Juan M. Sanchez, 54, who had recently relocated to the area from Illinois. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting.
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
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.