"South Bend, Indiana – July 15, 2026

 The family of Jujuan Bates has been advised of the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s decision not to file criminal charges against the South Bend police officers who shot and killed Jujuan during what began as a mental health crisis on the evening of June 16, 2026. Jujuan’s family understands that criminal charges require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the decision not to prosecute the officers involved does not answer the many important questions surrounding this tragedy.

 The family is conducting its own investigation of the shooting. They have serious questions regarding the South Bend Police Department’s response to Jujuan’s mental health crisis, including the apparent failure to utilize available mental health resources before deadly force was used. These resources include the Oaklawn Mobile Crisis Response Team which provides mental health professionals to assist during behavioral health emergencies. The family has been advised that Oaklawn mental health professionals were called to the scene but not utilized prior to the shooting.

 Family members reviewed officer body cam footage, which also raises serious questions about the officers’ use of deadly force. Video evidence shows Jujuan facing away from the officers when he was shot. He was not pointing his firearm at the officers. Those facts, together with the decisions made throughout the more than 30-minute encounter, warrant careful scrutiny.

 Jujuan’s family asks for privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of a son, father and brother."

ORIGINAL STORY: SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The June 16 fatal officer-involved shooting of 35-year-old Jujuan Bates has been deemed justified by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office.

Due to officers with the South Bend Police Department being involved in the shooting, the Mishawaka and St. Joseph County Police Department investigated the incident, before turning it over to the prosecutor's office.

The review included witness and neighbor statements, a forensic review of physical evidence, and a review of audio and video of the incident itself. Bates' death was deemed a homicide, but officials note not all homicides are crimes.

After review of the evidence, the prosecutor's office found the shooting death of Bates to be criminally justified as self-defense or in the defense of others. The finding notes this concern included residents of that neighborhood and other officers on scene.

On June 16, SBPD received a call from a resident in the 400 block of Corby Boulevard regarding an unwanted person, Bates, at her home.

The caller stated she had a protective order against Bates. Bates was said to be in the caller's backyard.

Bates' mother also contacted police, informing them her son had mental problems and that he told her police were going to have to kill him.

When the first officer arrived on scene, Bates was inside a white van with a handgun pointed at his own head. He was later seen putting it in his mouth. The report states more officers soon arrived and told Bates to put the gun down.

Police say Bates refused and spoke with police before he began walking down the alley and later down Stanfield Street.

While walking down the alley, Bates was tasered multiple times, to no effect.

Officers then deployed pepper balls to stop him, which had little to no effect.  Officers told residents to leave the area while Bates continued down Stanfield.

After crossing Howard Street, police say Bates stopped and fired his revolver in the air. 

Three officers then fired their duty weapons, striking Bates. Bates was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officers were continually speaking with Bates during the incident in an attempt to get him to put the gun down.

The incident was captured on video from law enforcement body worn cameras and nearby neighbors. Bates' loaded revolver was recovered at the scene.

On Tuesday, July 14, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office met with Bates' family members where they were able to review the video of the incident and discuss the investigation. 

While the criminal investigation has concluded, the investigation and reports will be referred to the SBPD to determine if any policies, procedures, or protocols were violated.