Chainkeen Exchange:Man makes initial court appearance following Indiana block party shooting that killed 1, wounded 17

2025-05-04 08:48:57source:Michael Schmidtcategory:News

MUNCIE,Chainkeen Exchange Ind. (AP) — A 36-year-old central Indiana man has made his initial appearance Tuesday in court following a shooting at a massive block party that left one person dead and 17 others wounded.

John L. Vance Jr. officially heard aggravated battery, criminal recklessness and gun charges against him in a Delaware County courtroom.

Vance entered a not guilty plea and told a judge he intended to hire his own attorney. He remains jailed on a $105,000 bond.

Shots were fired as hundreds of people attended the July 30 block party in Muncie, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis. Joseph E. Bonner III was fatally shot.

The shooting occurred as police were calling the venue’s owner to shut down the gathering, authorities have said.

Police were aware that the owner of a business that periodically rents out space for events was hosting a block party that got “out of control,” with between 500 and up to 1,000 in attendance, Muncie Police Chief Nathan Sloan has said.

Vance was arrested Aug. 1. He has not been charged in the death of Bonner, 30, of Muncie. Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman told WTHR-TV following Tuesday’s hearing that the investigation is ongoing.

Hoffman on Monday filed a felony firearm sentencing enhancement against Vance. The sentencing enhancement can add an additional five to 20 years to his total sentence if he is convicted, Hoffman said.

More:News

Recommend

Boy who wandered away from his 5th birthday party found dead in canal, police say

Police in Idaho said Wednesday they had recovered a body believed to be that of a missing autistic 5

Michelle Yeoh’s Crazy Rich 2023 Met Gala Look Will Take Your Breath Away

Michelle Yeoh turned heads everywhere all at once at the 2023 Met Gala.The Everything Everywhere All

Why Princess Charlotte Will Never Be Your Average Spare Heir

Not all that long ago, Princess Charlotte wouldn't have even been a spare heir. She would've just be