South Bend Police Identify Donovan Russell as Victim in Deadly Early Morning Shooting

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — July 26, 2025 — Authorities have identified the man killed in a deadly shooting early Saturday morning on the city’s west side as 25-year-old Donovan Russell of South Bend.

The incident unfolded around 3:00 a.m. in the 3900 block of Sheridan Plaza, located just south of South Bend International Airport. Officers from the South Bend Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the area and, upon arrival, discovered a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Russell was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency response efforts.

The Violent Crimes Unit of the South Bend Police Department has since launched a full investigation. Detectives remained on-site for several hours after the shooting, collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses in the residential neighborhood.

An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which officials say may offer further insight into the cause and timeline of death.

At this time, police have not confirmed any suspects, arrests, or clear motive in the case. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual around the time of the incident to come forward.

Russell’s death marks another heartbreaking chapter in a year marked by rising gun violence in South Bend. Family and friends have begun mourning the loss, describing him as a young man with dreams and a kind heart.

“This is absolutely devastating,” said one community member who knew Russell. “He had a lot of life ahead of him. We need justice, and we need the violence to stop.”

The South Bend Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact their Violent Crimes Unit at (574) 235-9263, or provide anonymous tips through Michiana Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP or 800-342-STOP.

As the investigation continues, the South Bend community comes together in grief, seeking answers and remembering the life of a young man taken too soon.