17-year-old charged, 14-year-old detained in death of Rhema Harris

UPDATE: Braxton Bird was found guilty of murder and criminal recklessness in connection with Harris's death. His sentencing is scheduled for December 7.

ORIGINAL STORY:

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - A 17-year-old was charged with murder for his alleged role in the shooting death of 28-year-old Rhema Harris on June 26, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office. A 14-year-old was also detained for his alleged role in Harris's death.

Braxton Bird, 17, of South Bend was charged on July 27 with murder, attempted murder and criminal recklessness in the drive-by shooting.

The court documents were sealed until Tuesday so police could take Bird's 14-year-old brother, his co-defendant, into custody.

The shooting happened on June 26 at a home on Milburn Avenue.

Police said two people in a vehicle traveling east to west in the alley behind the home fired shots at the back of the home. One of the suspects was firing a handgun, the other had a rifle, reports said.

One of the rifle shots went through a storm door, into the home and struck Harris - who was in the kitchen. She was transported to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

After the shooting, a juvenile victim at the scene told police Braxton Bird was responsible for the shooting. She had been having difficulty with him since Bird was caught burglarizing her stepfather's home, reports said.

Bird had told her he was going to "pull up" on her via messages on social media.

Multiple witnesses reported seeing a Chevy Impala in the area at the time of the shooting.

There were five people in the Impala at the time of the shooting. Three of the passengers spoke independently to police about the shooting.

Two of the witnesses confirmed Bird and his 14-year-old brother fired shots from the vehicle. They said Bird fired a rifle and his brother fired a handgun. They said there were multiple people in the yard when Bird and his brother fired shots at them, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Officers impounded the Impala and located several spent rifle casings inside.

Officers noted at the time of the shooting, Bird was on a GPS tether for a burglary conviction. At the time of the shooting the GPS coordinates placed Bird in the area of the 1800 and 1900 blocks of Milburn Avenue, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Bird was listed as an escapee at the time charges were filed.

Bird's brother was taken into custody on Thursday. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office is in the process of filing a delinquency petition against the 14-year-old suspect. They are also preparing a motion to move his case to adult court.

The St. Joseph County Police Department released the following statement in response to the arrest:

“Our hearts and our prayers continue go out to Rhema’s mother Georgia, and the Harris & Duncan families today and every day. Although the wound of Rhema’s death will never completely heal, today’s small step forward is welcomed news for our department. Rhema was a cherished and valuable member of our jail family. The loss had deeply affected many of our jail family. Rhema Harris Badge #2081 will always have a place of honor with this family.” - Sheriff William J. Redman