***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2022

TWO SCENES RELATED IN WEDNESDAY SHOOTINGS

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

On 05-25-2022 at around 12:37 p.m. the Elkhart Police received a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance located at 2920 Pleasant Plain Ave, Elkhart, IN. When officers arrived, they found Cassandra Geschke (21), the resident, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Police units along with Medics attempted life saving measures on Geschke but she succumbed to her injuries. An occupant inside this residence stated the person responsible for the shooting was most likely headed to the Kentucky Fried Chicken located at 2709 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN. Approximately two minutes from this call, the Elkhart Police Department was called to the Main Street address regarding a possible suicide. Once on scene, it was determined that Jerry L. Hopkin (33) of Elkhart had attempted suicide with a handgun. It was also determined that the two scenes were related. Hopkins was transported to Elkhart General Hospital and later succumbed to his self-inflicted injuries.

The Elkhart County Homicide Unit was called regarding this incident and took over both scenes. Many interviews were taken along with the collection of evidence. A forensic autopsy on Geshke will be performed at the Homer-Styrker School of Medicine located at University of Western Michigan. This is still considered an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident should call (574)-296-1888 or (574)-295-2825.

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