Best Western shooting death preliminarily ruled justified

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- A shooting at a Mishawaka motel on Monday has been preliminarily ruled as a justified homicide, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office. 

Mishawaka Police Officer's responded 445 University Drive for reports of a shooting at 3:19 a.m. on Jan. 20

When they arrived, they found 44-year-old Anthony Korolis bleeding on the floor near the entrance to one of the hotel rooms.

Korolis had been shot in the chest and head, and died at the scene.

"Officers observed that Mr. Korolis was wearing what appeared to be bandana over the lower half of his face," MPD said. A 9mm handgun was recovered near Mr. Korolis’ hand. The 9mm handgun was fully loaded with one round in the chamber."

Authorities say three .40 caliber casings were recovered from the room along with items of illegal drug paraphernalia, a pill (identified as the controlled substance clonazepam), and a substance that field tested positive for "the presence of methamphetamine."

Officers said they spoke to Justin Levin Bonham, who admitted to being in the room and shooting at Korolis with a .40 caliber handgun.

"Bonham stated that he saw Korolis enter the hotel room armed and only fired out of fear," MPD said. "At this time, the state is unable to disprove the claim that [the man] acted in self-defense when he discharged the .40 caliber firearm."

For charges to be brought against the man in relation to the shooting, the State of Indiana must disprove self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

"At this time, the state is unable to disprove the claim that Bonham acted in self-defense when he discharged the .40 caliber firearm," MPD said. "The investigation is ongoing."

According to I.C. 35-41-3-2(c):

"A person is justified in using reasonable force against any other person to protect the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person: (1) is justified in using deadly force; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony. No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary."

On Wednesday, Bonham was charged with four counts related to possession of the .40 caliber firearm and illegal drug evidence recovered from the hotel room:

Formal charges:

• Count I: Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony
• Count II: Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor
• Count III: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class A Misdemeanor
• Count IV: Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun with a Prior Felony Conviction within 15 years, a Level 5 Felony