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Summary: Jacob Patchen, 21, lost his life to a gunshot wound while driving eastbound on Angela Boulevard in South Bend, Indiana, on January 11, 2026. Police discovered him critically injured in his vehicle at the Michigan Street intersection and rushed him to a hospital, where he died. Authorities arrested Tonell Jhakkar Williams, 36, charging him with murder in the attack. It appears to have been a random shooting with no explicable motive.
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SOUTH BEND, Ind. (DailyKenn.com) — Authorities have charged a local man with murder following the fatal shooting of a young driver at a bustling city crossroads earlier this month, marking the area's first homicide of the year.
The incident occurred on the evening of Jan. 11 when South Bend police officers rushed to the corner of Angela Boulevard and Michigan Street after receiving alerts of gunfire around 7:20 p.m. They discovered Jacob Kenneth Patchen, 21, of Mishawaka, slumped in his vehicle with a severe gunshot injury. Patchen had been heading east on Angela Boulevard and was halted at a traffic signal when the attack happened.
According to investigative records, a young family member riding with Patchen described a dark, squared-off SUV pulling up nearby. The SUV reportedly backed up toward their car, prompting Patchen to lower the passenger-side window. At that moment, the SUV's operator allegedly brandished a gun and fired a single round, striking Patchen. The relative, who was not hurt, provided details that helped authorities piece together the sequence.
Surveillance cameras in the vicinity captured footage of a Cadillac Escalade matching the description, which was traced to its owner through registration data. Police identified Tonell Jhakkar Williams, 36, of South Bend, as the driver. When questioned, Williams appeared under the influence and offered no clear recollection of his activities that day, investigators noted.
Officers transported Patchen to a nearby medical center in grave condition, but he succumbed to his wounds shortly after arrival. An examination confirmed the cause of death as the gunshot, with results released days later.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office filed murder charges against Williams on Jan. 20. He remains detained without bail at the county jail, pending an initial court appearance set for later this week. A conviction could result in a prison term of up to 65 years, prosecutors indicated.
The shooting site, close to the University of Notre Dame's perimeter, prompted concern among residents and campus affiliates. University officials stated they collaborated with law enforcement and assessed no immediate danger to students or staff, though they acknowledged broader worries about community violence. They advised using safety apps and reporting concerns promptly.
Local law enforcement credited anonymous submissions from the public for accelerating the probe, highlighting cooperative efforts in the tight-knit area. Investigators continue to seek additional input through crime tip lines to solidify the case.
The event has stirred discussions on roadway safety in the region, with some neighbors expressing shock at the brazen nature of the violence during peak hours. Police emphasized their commitment to curbing such acts through vigilant patrols and community partnerships.
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