The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Rashawn Moffitt of South Bend, has been charged with Murder, a Felony, and Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun, a Level 5 Felony, with Felony Firearm Enhancement.

Court documents state on Dec. 20, 2025, at around 9:12 p.m., officers with the South Bend Police Department responded to shots fired near Taylor Street and Indiana Avenue.

Upon arrival, authorities found Jones lying in the tree lawn on Indiana Avenue suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Police attempted life saving measures, but Jones died from his injuries.

SBPD's investigation led to Moffitt being identified as the suspect.

A judicial officer reviewed the charges and probable cause was found.

The prosecutor's office lists the sentencing range for murder as 45-65 years, while the sentencing range for a Level 5 Felony is one to six years.

The sentencing range for Firearm Enhancement is five to 20 years.

Moffitt is currently in custody at the St. Joseph County Jail on 11 Felony charges of Child Exploitation.

Moffitt's arraignment is expected to take place on Friday.

During the investigation, police say they obtained video from the area during the time of the shooting, which appeared to show a Jeep leaving the scene south on Taylor Street with its lights off as a high speed shortly after the shots were fired.

The Jeep was later found to be registered to Hertz rental company.

A witness told police he'd observed two Black men arguing at the corner of Taylor and Indiana along with a woman standing near them. The witness also described a white SUV being parked nearby.

The witness said he then went back inside his home at which point he heard gunfire.

The witness said he went back outside and saw the victim, Jones, lying on the ground near the SUV.

On Dec. 24, 2025, police located the Jeep from the video and pulled it over. Moffitt and a woman were found to be in the vehicle.

The two were subsequently interviewed. Moffitt admitted to police that he and the woman were on scene during the shooting but denied seeing anything.

Documents state Moffitt told police he picked up the woman from her work before picking up Jones from his apartment.

Moffitt stated they then went to a liquor store before driving around.

Moffitt told investigators Jones started getting "mouthy" and demanded to get out of the vehicle.

Moffitt claimed to have dropped off Jones at Ewing Avenue and William Street before hearing gunshots and ducking. Moffitt said he and the woman didn't see anything and left the scene, only learning later that Jones had been killed.

Moffitt said he then went to a residence in the 600 block of W. Indiana Avenue before ultimately staying the night at the woman's house for the rest of the night.

Police say the woman initially denied being with Moffitt the night of the murder, but then said Moffitt picked her up at work before picking up Jones and driving around.

She then told police she didn't know who shot Jones.

Police say she then admitted Moffitt shot and killed Jones. She stated after Jones got out of the Jeep, Moffitt drove a short distance before turning around and pulling up to him, at which point Moffitt got out and shot Jones.

The woman said it initially appeared as if Jones was ready to fight.

After the shooting, the woman said Moffitt dropped her off at home.

Police say they were able to obtain call detail records from the Jeep, Moffitt's phone, the woman's phone, and Jones' phone, which was able to pinpoint where they were the evening of the shooting.

Police say the data showed the group was traveling around South Bend together from 8:08 p.m. until the time of the shooting.

Data showed Jones' phone became stationary at the shooting scene after it occurred, while the Jeep and other phones continued moving.

Authorities also found Moffitt has a prior felony conviction for Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 6 Felony and a prior conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, making him ineligible to carry a handgun.