Jury Acquitted South Bend Man in Fatal Shooting
A jury found Riley Morgan-Reed not guilty of murder following a 2026 fatal shooting on W. Dunham Street.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Violence
Riley Morgan-Reed was acquitted of murder charges by a jury during the week of October 6, 2026. The verdict followed his involvement in the March 15, 2026, shooting death of Carl Bates Jr. on W. Dunham Street.
Why it matters
The case centered on Morgan-Reed's self-defense claims after he admitted to investigators that he shot Bates while fearing he would be robbed. The jury's decision brings closure to the legal proceedings surrounding the incident in South Bend.
A jury officially acquitted Riley Morgan-Reed of murder charges during the week of October 6, 2026. The legal process concluded after police initially responded to the shooting on W. Dunham Street in March.
The players
Riley Morgan-Reed
He is the defendant who was acquitted of murder charges after claiming he shot the victim in self-defense.
Carl Bates Jr.
He was the individual who died after sustaining a gunshot wound on W. Dunham Street.
The details
Police discovered Carl Bates Jr. with a gunshot wound to the head after responding to a call on W. Dunham Street. During the investigation, Riley Morgan-Reed admitted he fired at Bates, testifying that he acted because he feared he was going to be robbed.
Timeline
The shooting death of Carl Bates Jr. occurred on March 15, 2026.
The jury acquitted Riley Morgan-Reed during the week of October 6, 2026.
Legal Context
The acquittal highlights how local juries interpret the state's self-defense laws when a defendant admits to a shooting but claims fear of robbery. This verdict follows broader trends in South Bend where juries must weigh admitted lethal force against claims of imminent threat.
The conclusion of this trial brings a sense of finality to the legal proceedings surrounding the incident on W. Dunham Street. Residents in the area now have clarity on the judicial outcome following the investigation into the death of Carl Bates Jr.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of how juries evaluate conflicting testimony in cases involving claims of self-defense. Legal experts note that such outcomes often hinge on the specific evidence regarding a defendant's perception of immediate danger at the scene.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial proceedings, visit the Violence section.
