Photo courtesy of Facebook: (Krystle Dikes-left; Rachelle Godfread-right)
ELKHART, Ind. (Jan. 16th, 2014) – Officers with the Elkhart Police Department in northern Indiana fatally shot a man accused of killing two female shoppers at a supermarket Wednesday night.
The shooting occurred just after 10 p.m. at the Martin’s Supermarket, located at 3900 E. Bristol Street, on the city’s northeast side.
Police responded to a call regarding a man with a gun in the store. Police said the two officers to arrive first on the scene confronted the armed suspect and fired multiple shots, killing him. The suspect was later identified as 22-year-old Shawn Bair.
Authorities said Bair was armed with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a large hunting knife.
Officers on the scene soon discovered two deceased women inside the store. Police said Bair fatally shot the two women, who were identified as 20-year-old employee Krystle Dikes and 44-year-old shopper Rachelle Godfread.
The shooting is still under investigation, and police are interviewing witnesses and looking over the store’s surveillance video.
At this time, police are working to determine a possible motive for the shooting.
Gov. Mike Pence released the following statement Thursday following the fatal shootings:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life suffered last night during the shooting at Martin’s Supermarket in Elkhart. I commend the Elkhart Police Department for courageously intervening and bringing the incident to a swift conclusion. The First Lady and I extend our condolences to the families of the victims and offer our prayers to the entire community during this difficult time.”
