ELKHART, Ind. — On Tuesday, authorities released the identities of the gunman and the two victims involved in a tragic shooting that occurred at a grocery store in northern Indiana.
The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Juan M. Sanchez, was involved in the violent incident that took place late on Monday afternoon at Martin’s Supermarket in Elkhart, according to information from the Elkhart County prosecutor’s office.
Sanchez was fatally shot by police after he confronted them outside the store. The prosecutor’s office stated that “the gunman fired multiple times at the officers who responded by shooting and killing him.”
During the altercation, two police officers, Corporal Paul Vandenburg and Patrolman Ethan Pasternak, sustained injuries. As of Tuesday, Pasternak was reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital.
The police were alerted to the shooting following a 911 call around 5:30 p.m. Responding officers discovered the bodies of 49-year-old Benjamin Jeffery, a customer, and 19-year-old Annasue Rocha, who worked at the supermarket, both of whom were tragically killed inside the store.
The prosecutor’s office indicated that numerous shots were discharged inside the grocery store during the incident. Prosecutors noted that Sanchez had recently relocated to the Elkhart area from Illinois about a year prior to the shooting.
Elkhart Police Department Chief Dan Milanese expressed deep sorrow over the event, stating, “In this horrific situation, words cannot express the pain felt in our community when a tragic incident like this happens.”
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is currently investigating the incident, examining various forms of evidence, conducting witness interviews, and gathering background information to address the numerous questions surrounding the attack, particularly regarding the motive behind it. The prosecutor’s office added, “However, that takes time and objectivity,” as they work through the details.
Located approximately 15 miles east of South Bend, Indiana, Elkhart is now grappling with the impact of this incident on its community.
