Mishawaka police responded to a report of a minor suffering from a gunshot wound and in need of immediate medical care around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. When the police arrived to the 300 block on South Taylor Street, near 5th Street, the child, later identified as 10-year-old Sophia Burks, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have arrested 17-year-old Jacob Olvera and are questioning the family and others involved regarding the situation. According to WPVE, the police cited Olvera’s gun, “modified for rapid fire,” as taking part in the shooting.
“This should never have happened,” the family said in an interview with WBST. The circumstances of Burks’ death are still under investigation.
Olvera has been arrested under the preliminary charges of possession of a machine gun, dangerous possession of a firearm and a Level 6 felony of criminal recklessness. He is currently being held at the Thomas N. Frederick Juvenile Justice Center of St. Joseph County to await formal charges.
According to WSBT, Mishawaka Police Department said the case will be handled through the juvenile courts system, but if found appropriate, will be transferred to the St. Joseph County Circuit Court and Olvera will be treated as an adult.
The autopsy on Burks was scheduled for Sunday, although ballistics and the autopsy report are still pending as of Monday evening.
According to multiple accounts, Olvera is the boyfriend of Burks’ older sister, who also lived in the house where Burks was shot. Olvera did not reside at the house where the shooting was located.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the community at this time.
