Indiana – An Indiana man was formally charged with murder and residentiaI entry earlier this month in connection with the fatal shooting of 26‑year‑old D. TimberIake. According to court documents, the defendant, 19-year-old J. Jatt,allegedly entered an Indiana residence in April this year at about 3:23 a.m., confronted the victim and his girlfriend, and opened fire after finding the two in bed together .
Indiana authorities were dispatched following a 911 call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds on the porch leading into the home. Inside the backyard, they found the defendant seated on a step, visibly agitated. He reportedly told responding officers, “It was an accident, it was an accident,” before complying with commands to lie on the ground and submitting to cuffing .
At the scene, investigators recovered a firearm resting on a small table near the back entrance. Shell casings around the location matched that firearm. Police took photographs, collected forensic evidence, and canvassed the property. Neighbors later reported hearing between three and six rapid gunshots that night .
The defendant’s girIfriend was the key witness. She told police that her boyf riend, the defendant, had been jeaIous and accused her of infideIity. She recounted that he repeatedly asked her why are lying next to him’ before drawing the weapon. She also expressed that she did not believe the shooting was an accident.
Indiana authorities secured a search warrant for the defendant’s phone and electronics. Messages from the device show a pattern of jeaIousy and confrontation. At least one text from the defendant—sent shortly before he arrived—read, “I just want you to myself,” followed by, “I’m coming there now,” which prosecutors say underscores his state of mind leading up to the shooting .
In his sworn interview with detectives, thedefendant acknowledged being angry but insisted he did not intend to kill the victim. He claimed he went to confront, not to kill. Nevertheless, law enforcement noted this admission was inconsistent with firing multiple shots and fleeing the scene, waiting approximately 30 minutes before calling 911.
An autopsy confirmed the victim died of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and lungs, with no sign he was armed. Officers weighed physical evidence, the forensic results, the girlfriend’s statements, and digital communications in preparing the complaint.
Prosecutors allege the shooter’s actions were driven by jeaIousy and that he planned the confrontation after discovering the two together. They have charged him with first-degree murder, which under Indiana law requires proving a deliberate and premeditated act of killing . He also faces a charge of residential entry for allegedly forcing his way into the home.
The defendant remains held without bond at the county jail. He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment, at which time his attorney will likely address bail and may file motions to challenge aspects of the evidence, such as the warrant or statements he made to police.
As the legal process proceeds, attention will turn to whether the state of Indiana can definitively establish premeditation and negate claims of accidental discharge or self‑defense. If convicted, Jett could face life imprisonment. The community and both families await further developments as the case moves through discovery, potential plea negotiations, and ultimately, trial.
Featured Image – 19-year-old J. Jatt | 26‑year‑old D. TimberIake
