Michiana Unsolved: The Murder of Demetrius Echols

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Imagine coming into town to see family, only to be gunned down right outside a relative’s home.

That is exactly what happened to 35-year-old Demetrius Echols just a few months ago.

It was Oct. 29, 2022. Demetrius was in town from Michigan City visiting family in South Bend. Earlier in the day, Demetrius stopped by a gathering before ending up at a relative’s home in the 1600 block of Huey Street

He was sitting in his car around 8 p.m. with his toddler-aged child. Little did he know this was about to happen.

“A suspect vehicle is traveling northbound on Huey from the intersection with Bulla Street. As you can see, it is a white or light colored 4-door sedan. As it is traveling northbound, a passenger inside that vehicle opens fire,” explains Lt. Kayla Miller with Michiana Crime Stoppers.

Demetrius and his vehicle are struck. At the same time, a second vehicle traveling southbound was also struck by the gunfire. That driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Demetrius, on the other hand, was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries days later. His toddler was not injured.

“But that just adds to the trauma and the horror of this situation. That suspects are just opening fire on vehicles, there is no regard for life and what may be in that vehicle,” Lt. Miller says.

If you have any information, no matter how big or how small, you are asked to contact the South Bend Police Department or Michiana Crime Stoppers.

“It is one thing to learn about someone being taken from you. It is another thing to be right there when it happens. That sense of not having any power and being helpless because there is nothing you can do. The trauma that has been caused by this one incident carries on so much,” Lt. Miller says.

Remember, if your tip leads to the solving of this case or an arrest, you are eligible for a $2,500 cash reward.

South Bend Police Department: 574-235-9201

Michiana Crime Stoppers: 574-288-STOP/800-342-STOP or click here to submit a tip online.

Meanwhile, Christine and Lt. Miller talked about the case in further details on Facebook Live on Monday Morning. To watch the full interview, click on the video below:

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