A former South Bend Police Department officer and U.S. Army veteran, Adonis Joseph, has been identified as the suspect in a fatal shooting incident in Elkhart on Monday.
Authorities say Joseph was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a burning apartment on Golden Pond Trail, shortly after reports of a double shooting at The Highlands Apartments on the city’s north side.
According to investigators, emergency responders were called to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire. When officers arrived at approximately 1:54 p.m., they located two victims inside a residence on Links Drive. A woman, identified as the suspect’s ex-wife Candace, was found suffering from gunshot-related injuries and was transported to a hospital in serious condition. A second victim, identified as her boyfriend, was also found inside the apartment and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the shooting, authorities report that Joseph returned to his nearby apartment, where a fire was later discovered. Fire crews from multiple departments—including Cleveland Township, Elkhart City, Osolo Township, and Baugo Township—responded to the blaze. Investigators believe Joseph died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the burning residence.
Due to the severity of the incident and potential risk to the community, regional SWAT teams and additional emergency units were deployed throughout the area. Police also temporarily locked down nearby schools, including Horizon Elementary and Discovery Middle School, after learning that children connected to those involved attended the schools. Officials later confirmed that the lockdown was lifted after safety was assessed.
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into both the shooting and the fire. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding motive, and the case remains active as investigators continue to gather evidence and review the full timeline of events.