***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2012

HOMEOWNER CLEARED IN SHOOTING OF INTRUDERS

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

On October 3, 2012, at approximately 2:32 p.m. Elkhart police responded to a 9-1-1 call from a home owner who stated that he had several intruders in his home at 1919 Frances. The homeowner stated that he fired a handgun at the intruders and thought he struck two of the individuals. Uniformed officers were on scene within moments of the call and found a rear door to the residence forced open. At that same time one of the intruders jumped through a closed window and fled from the house. Officers gave chase and quickly apprehended Jose Quiroz (16 year old male from Elkhart). Additional officers arrived on scene. When they entered the home they located the homeowner, Rodney Scott, along with two individuals who had been shot. Blake Layman (16 year old male) had a minor wound to his leg; Danzele Johnson (21 year old male from Goshen) was unresponsive and pronounced deceased by medics on scene. Elkhart Police Department's Homicide Unit is currently investigating the incident.

During the course of the investigation detectives learned that the homeowner was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom when he heard a loud noise downstairs. Mr. Scott secured a handgun and his cell phone and walked downstairs when he observed several intruders scurrying through his house. Fearing for his safety, Mr. Scott fired several rounds at the intruders. He observed at least one person running towards the back door and at least two run into a downstairs bedroom. When Mr. Scott thought that he had the intruders contained he called 9-1-1 and requested police and medics.

Detectives believe that on the day of the incident five individuals conspired to burglarize the home at 1919 Frances. They forced their way into the home and armed themselves prior to being confronted by the homeowner. As Mr. Scott feared for his life he fired at the intruders in his home. He struck two of the subjects. At the same time a third subject ran out a door, a fourth subject jumped through a window and a fifth subject acted as a lookout.

On the day of the incident police arrested Jose Quiroz and Blake Layman. On October 8, 2012, Levi Sparks (17 year old male) was arrested. Police have requested an arrest warrant for Anthony Sharp (18 year old male from Goshen). All four of the subjects will be charged with Felony Murder.

Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney Curtis T. Hill, Jr. has determined That Mr. Scott's actions in defense of himself and his home were reasonable under the circumstances. Therefore Mr. Scott will face no criminal charges.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”