South Bend, IN – The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office announced that no charges will be filed against a South Bend homeowner who shot and killed 68-year-old Richard Davis during a home invasion on December 14. The incident, which occurred just before 9:30 pm, involved Davis allegedly wielding a chainsaw as he approached the homeowner.
According to the South Bend Police Department, the homeowner and his wife arrived home to a triggered security alarm. The homeowner, fearing for their safety, instructed his wife to stay in the car while he checked the property. He then encountered Davis, who was advancing towards him with a chainsaw raised above his shoulders.
In response to the perceived threat, the homeowner shot Davis, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The investigation revealed that the chainsaw belonged to the homeowner and had been stored in his garage prior to the incident.
The decision not to file charges was based on evidence, including interviews with several witnesses, video footage, and security system logs, which supported the homeowner’s claim of self-defense. The Prosecutor’s Office concluded that they could not disprove the homeowner’s fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death, thereby justifying his use of deadly force under Indiana law. As a result, the shooting is considered a justifiable homicide, and no legal action will be taken against the homeowner.
