Khalyiah Bell killed in shooting at Beacon Heights Apartments on South Bend

Update: On November 3, 2023 at approximately 0834 hrs South Bend Police officers were dispatched to Curtiss Dr. South Bend, IN regarding a possible shooting. Arriving officers located female victim Khalyiah Bell deceased inside the residence with an apparent gunshot wound.

During the investigation there was a juvenile witness located. Juvenile witness 1 (J.W.1) was interviewed and said that Juwan was in the residence and that the victim had picked him up from work. J.W.I said that they heard a gunshot in the night and awoke in the morning to find the victim deceased and victim’s car keys and car missing. J.W.1 went to a neighbor for help. J.W.1 selected JUWAN DOCKERY in a photo array and confirmed that DOCKERY was in the apartment with the victim the previous night. J.W.1 stated that DOCKERY had stayed at the residence for approximately 4 days and had been arguing with victim during this time.

Another witness known to law enforcement (Witness 2) explained hearing fighting inside the victim’s apartment in the overnight hours. Witness 2 heard a gunshot outside the apartment which was confirmed with Shot Spotter, video surveillance collected, and a spent shell casing located near the victim’s front door.

Original Report:

Authorities are conducting an inquiry following a fatal shooting at an apartment complex in South Bend’s northwest vicinity on Friday morning.

Responding to reports around 8:30 a.m., officers arrived at Beacon Heights Apartments on the 3400 block of Curtiss Drive to assess the situation.

On-site, they discovered a woman with apparent gunshot injuries. Tragically, she was declared deceased at the scene.

The victim’s identity has not been disclosed by authorities but a neighbor who is friends with the victim identified her as Latonya Belcher.

The Violent Crimes Unit of the South Bend Police Department is currently leading the investigation into the shooting.

While authorities continue their search for a suspect, they assure the public that there is no immediate threat to safety.

If you possess any pertinent information, you’re encouraged to provide an anonymous tip to Michiana Crime Stoppers either by dialing 574-288-STOP or visiting their online platform.