KOKOMO, Ind. (WTHR) — Kokomo police arrested a 27-year-old Thursday in an overnight shooting that took the life of another 27-year-old.
David Barner shot Allan Jackson multiple times just before 1 a.m. on E. Markland Avenue, according to investigators. Howard County Coroner Steve Seele pronounced Jackson dead at the scene.
Barner faces a preliminary charge of murder. Detectives say he confessed to the shooting, but there still isn't a clear motive. They do say Barner and Jackson knew each other.
Witnessees pointed them to Barner, who officers found inside his car about a mile away from the shooting.
“We were able to approach the car, get the individual out of the car with the SWAT team without incident," said Major Brian Seldon with Kokomo PD.
Maj. Seldon said Barner told them he thought Jackson was reaching for a gun.
After arresting Barner, a police dive team waded through Wildcat Creek under a bridge Barner likely would have crossed while driving away from the scene. They were looking for evidence, maybe even the murder weapon, but left empty-handed.
“We’ve never had any trouble around here," said Tammy Loftis, who lives nearby the home where the shooting happened.
“I’m glad I am a gun owner. I feel good about that. I didn’t own a gun until not too long ago and I got my dog," she explained. “It makes me feel a little safer.”
Meanwhile, investigators continue working to understand Barner's motive and what led up to the shooting.
“There was talk about medieval situations and medieval times and the guillotine, things of that nature," Maj. Seldon said. “It is just kind of a strange, strange case.”
Anyone with information about the case should call Det. Scott Purtee at (765) 456-7322 or the KPD Hotline at (765) 456-7017, or Crime Stoppers at (1-800) 222-TIPS.