Bar owner recalls fatal punching incident Save Email Print
Posted: 7:50 PM May 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:19 PM May 21, 2008
 Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
40 comments
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A security officer killed while working at a South Bend Bar is being remembered.

63-year-old James Muddiman was guarding the door at South Bank Bar when a customer tried to re-enter. Police say Muddiman would not let the customer back into the bar. Kati then punched Muddiman in the head because of the refusal.

27-year-old Joshua Kati now faces reckless homicide charges in addition to aggravated battery.

South Bank Bar owner, John Colley, says he planned on hiring James Muddiman's private security firm to get ready for the I.U.S.B. student crowd that would be coming in the future.

Student housing will soon be available nearby.

"Basically there was a girl going out the door, she had a beer in her hand, Jim told her she couldn't take the beer out…her boyfriend come back in the door punched him one time.. and he went down on the floor," recalls Colley.

Kati has a long criminal past. He violated his probation he was serving for dealing cocaine.

He was also convicted for domestic battery, theft, phone harassment, and resisting law enforcement.
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Posted by: An Ex Location: GA on Oct 27, 2008 at 01:31 AM
More Drama at A Colley Bar!! What a suprise!!
Posted by: Me Location: Misawaka on May 28, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Mr. Colley, Why don't you tell the TRUTH of what really goes on in your slum bar with all the drug activity???? South Bank should have been closed up years ago... Lest not forget some of the COLLEY family police records too!!
Posted by: jeff Location: mish on May 22, 2008 at 06:59 PM
met jim a year ago on the east coast , he was on a job that i was was on, very honorable man, love to hear him talk about life, what a sad loss for his grand children not to be hear his stories
Posted by: Me Location: Michigan on May 22, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I don't care if it was the owner himself that walked out of the bar with a drink it is ILLEGAL.. Come on now, what kind of defence is that.. It doesn't change the outlook of what happened in anyones eyes.. actually makes it worse that she thought she was someone special that didn't have to obey the laws.
Posted by: Unknown Location: SB on May 22, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Neice or not... she shouldn't get special privileges because her uncle owns the bar! I hope she feels the most guilty out of this. It's her fault Muddiman is dead. Great job there "neice." Why did you and Josh go out of the house if he was on house arrest for 20 yrs!?!? Your as much to blame as Josh's cowardly (explicit language). Good riddens! Have fun puckering up in jail... losers! My condolences to the Muddiman family. So sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on May 22, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I fail to believe that there is any possible way that this violent repeat offender is a "great dad". A great dad teaches his kids right & wrong by example, putting their welfare above his own selfish habits. What will his kids learn about life from this episode? Let's all hope and pray they don't turn out to be anything like their so-called "great dad". My sympathies to Mr. Muddiman's family & friends.
Posted by: Buford Location: Ora on May 21, 2008 at 07:19 PM
I guess you people don't care about Mr. Muddiman. He was a veteran. What about him? He wanted to start a business. What about him. The first line of the story talk about remembering Mr Muddiman. Some rememberbing!! Embarassing
Posted by: Angelina Location: Around on May 21, 2008 at 05:32 PM
I don't care who the girlfriend was. Did she pick up his arm and force him to make a fist and punch the guy?? Josh is 27 years old, that makes him a man (chronologically). He doesn't get to blame his actions on his girlfriend. If he's too stupid to see she's a bad person to be with than that's his own fault. And as far as being a good parent goes, are you kidding?? Good parents don't have relationships with unstable people. Good parents don't settle their differences with their fists. Good parents are rarely at bars all night, they're home with their kids, watching over them and setting an example. Good parents don't continue adding to their own rap sheet!! The problem with some men like Josh is they have more muscles than brains and they think might makes right. They don't know the difference between respect and fear. Someone might fear you because you can hurt them, but they won't respect you, and the results are worlds apart.
Posted by: unknown Location: mishawaka on May 21, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Yeah I understand its going to be stab at Josh but all his previous cases have to do with the "Girl walking out of the bar which is the owners neice I dont understand how that was left out of the story thats a big part. but all his cases have to do with her all of them but the dope case and that was a young man being dumb people do grow up he just should of stayed away from her even though they have kids he should of just kept doing what he was working and being a good dad but now his life is jacked up because of his kids mom . Go Figure every one knew she would ruin his life eventually . But i feel bad for the guys family and for josh's they are a good family and his boys he's a Great Dad. But alcohol does a lot to people I know .
Posted by: T. Paine on May 21, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Craig, my friend, you only need to do one iota more of research! 70% of those incarcerated are in for NONVIOLENT offenses. There's PLENTY of room for violence offenders. We leave child molesters and women batterers, etc. on the street to make room for kids who smoke weed or cops that sell fraudulent mortgages. That is insane. It is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It maintains the jobs of judges, laywers, social workers, prison guards, etc. etc. etc. The purpose of a cage is to keep violent people away from the rest of us; not to punish white collar embezzlers. Are we not smart enough to figure out what else to do with nonviolent law breakers? And if not, then to Hell with us. Or do we just cont. going through our days thinking the solution is to do the same thing but more efficiently!? "The road to Auschwitz... was paved with indifference." -Ian Kershaw
Posted by: unknown Location: mishawaka on May 21, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Yeah I know joshua kati he isn't a bad person as far as his past a lot of it was from the girl walking out of the bar and the police didnt seem to give a crap when he was harrassing her probably because they have kids together and it was just as much her as it was him im young i know how young people are but i dont understand why its not mentioned that the girl who tried walking out of the bar is the owners neice thats a big part of the story i think all facts should be given before assumtions are made krystal always leaves the bar with beer and every one knows it its a normal thing so thats why josh probably did it dont get the wrong idea i think it is sad what happened i do but joshua is a great father to his son's and what teen these days dont get in the wrong crowd but point being is that the "Girl" is the bar owners neice and thats not mentioned ? WHy i think that gives viewers a different out look
Posted by: Buford Location: Ora on May 21, 2008 at 03:59 PM
We have no memories of Mr. Muddiman on here. I guess no one reads the title of the story. It is the big print people. No one has any memories of Mr. Muddiman. You should all be embarrassed. I guess he didn't have a family or hobbies or friends. What a shame that no one has anything to share about him.
Posted by: Unknown Location: Mishawaka on May 21, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Someone for got to mention the girl in the bar walking out the door was the owners neice.
Posted by: joe Location: elkhart on May 21, 2008 at 03:30 PM
This punk must think he's a real tough guy. He picks on females and older men. He's a coward, couldn't hang with someone his own age.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on May 21, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I meet a lot of people. Do you realize just how many Joshua Katis there are walking the streets? If they were all locked up it would be millions more in jails. The laws give these guys several chances to clean up their lives, but most don't. It is unfortunate that the security guard died. Do you know if he would have just been knocked out, we wouldn't even have heard of this? I am a dj at a bar every weekend. I see these altercations regularly by people just like Kati. This is sad. Even if cops are called, most times there are no serious injuries and even no arrests. I even had one instance where a customer was told to leave the premises by the female bartender. He refused and started getting rough with those around him, trying to get him to leave. I politely lowered the volume of the music and asked him to leave over the PA. He charged after me, flying over tables and chairs until he was restrained by 4 or 5 guys. It is a dangerous world!
Posted by: Nick on May 21, 2008 at 02:05 PM
They should change the laws that if felon are let off easy, and commit a crime, the judge can be held liable both civilally and criminally.
Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on May 21, 2008 at 01:31 PM
So why was this idiot walking around to commit yet another crime. I guess he had stood in a corner long enough and told No No so he gets let out to hurt someone else. In this case to take a life. I hope this time he fries. The laws really SUCK. The criminals are the ones who are protected.
Posted by: Pat Location: Mishawaka on May 21, 2008 at 01:23 PM
How can he be roaming aound town if he is on sometype of restriction? 3 strikes and your OUT!
Posted by: Excellent shot Location: Southwest Mi on May 21, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I suppose that by punching and not shooting him it isn't murder. I hope he gets life in prison, or comes around here and beats someone dead. Like I said, I am an excellent shot and do have a permit to carry. I do believe that Mr. Mudiman was a Viet-Nam vet. We need to take care of our own, just like before. To the Mudilman family, sorry about your loss. I know he is in Heaven, because he already spent his time in Hell.
Posted by: Pat Location: Mishawaka on May 21, 2008 at 01:00 PM
If he was on a home restriction of some type, how come he was allowed to be roaming around after work hours? I believe 3 strikes and your OUT!!!!
Posted by: Amy Location: South Bend on May 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I believe the girlfriend who tried smuggling her beer out of the bar should be charged to. Too bad stupidity isn't a crime. Nice job Kati! Murderer!
Posted by: WestSideBob Location: West Side on May 21, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Anon wrote both families need piece. I'm sure Mr. Mudiman's family would like some justice also. This thug should not have even been on the street.
Posted by: Steve-O on May 21, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Bye-bye what was your girlfriends name again?
Posted by: HJF Location: South Bend on May 21, 2008 at 10:26 AM
A good guy dies at the hands of a POS that a bleeding heart non-elected judge allowed freedom. What's the problem here? Not enough jails and prisons for all the bad guys? Judges too soft?
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on May 21, 2008 at 08:15 AM
I keep hearing about the judges in St. Joe County being lenient. Who appoints these judges?
Posted by: BigRedEvil Location: Death Valley on May 21, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Here's you sign........
Posted by: Megan Location: Elkhart on May 21, 2008 at 07:24 AM
This is so terrible. The guy needs to be put away for life. He doesn't deserve to walk a free man ever again. My sympathies and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Muddiman. May his soul rest in peace.
Posted by: I Warned You on May 21, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Be a responsible citizen. Learn how to use a firearm safely, buy one and don't be afraid to use it to defend yourself. Judges DO NOT care about you. They allow criminals who KILL to walk the streets. Save yourself and someone else in the future. If you are in mortal danger of one of these career criminals, SHOOT TO KILL.
Posted by: anon on May 21, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Does everyone believe everything that they read in the newspaper or on the internet? It seems to me that hte information that hte paper and the website have been publishing may not be the actual facts. Isn't it the American way that you are innocent until PROVEN guilty? The media has no business of dragging this on and on. Both families need to have some peace
Posted by: dustin Location: st.joe michigan on May 20, 2008 at 11:26 PM
What a horrorable story.I just dont understand most ppl these days. I hope he gets along prison term.. Maybe he'll learn.. looking at his background thats 3strikes and you're in for mandatory life. This person has no respect for anyone. If i was the judge in this case, i would have no mercy. He would max time if i had to make judgement on him. I have no pity for anyone who cant learn a lesson. I'd like to hear what this pedifile has to say to that mans family. I'm sorry i killed you're husband or dad cause i was drunk and being dumb and being in a bar on parole..Lets not forget that you killed a man,Over a beer..... I hope God has mercy on his soul, cause i couldn't...
Posted by: Jen Location: South Bend on May 20, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Don't try to make people think that the prosecutors don't fight for jail time for these losers. I've seen them shaking their heads while walking out of the courtroom because people got, yet again, a limp slap on the wrist. Blame the Judge who didn't listen to the prosecutor's fight for prison time and gave this low life home detention. Blame the home detention system who kept him in their program no matter how many times he messed up. Blame the loser who committed the crime. He was a batterer? The Prosecutor's Office can't move on a case when the victim refuses to testify. Who was the victim? You people who constantly critique Dvorak and his people need to spend some time at the Courthouse and see how hard they try to put these idiots away. Use your vote when it comes to retaining the seated judges and get rid of the ones who turn their heads to the argument from the prosecutor and the verdict of a jury. Take away the ego trips. Do your part to make a change.
Posted by: bouncer Location: watching on May 20, 2008 at 10:50 PM
My question is why didnt anybody in that bar beat this kid to a pulp when this happened??? Kati is a coward, plain and simple.
Posted by: saddened Location: S.Bend on May 20, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I agree with both blogs here. I too wonder how a drug dealer gets home detention, 20 years.Was this so he could now deal out of his house and not the street? Was it because he turned other people in so he got off easy? This needs investigated, only it is too late for the victim and his family.Child welfare should also be involved, maybe the home life is okay. Maybe it needs to be checked out since this man did not have any regard to following his probation, just how good of a citizen is he. Does he work a legit job? Does the girlfriend/mother? I am sad also for the children here, they will have to live with knowing that their mother also set the stage for the loss of one man's life and for their father going to prison(I hope) for doing this.The system has failed severely, but here in S.Bend, it seems to be more common these days. People, we need to help get this city cleaned up, this includes cleaning house,so to speak, to all of the officials who play on both sides of the fence.
Posted by: John on May 20, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Ok, I've seen enough. I remained objective till now. This punk is nothing but a two bit thug. Take out the back of the courthouse and lynch him.
Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on May 20, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Worthless Judges who set this scum free, and a low life bar that brings in drug activity that should have been shut down years ago.....Welcome to St. Joseph County!
Posted by: Pat Location: Knox on May 20, 2008 at 09:31 PM
If this article is to remember the gentleman that passed, then why do you people show a picture of the bar???
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mish on May 20, 2008 at 08:43 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Posted by: Angie Location: Granger on May 20, 2008 at 08:38 PM
What a rotten scum bag. I hope this guy rots in jail for the rest of his life. He's taken away someone's father, grandfather, brother. That is unforgivable. My thoughts and prayers are with the Muddiman family.
Posted by: Bob on May 20, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I hope one of the media outlets here investigate this. WSBT and SBT both report he (Kati) was on a 20 year home detention order. Clearly, someone failed the Muddiman family, and the public trust. Was it a judge, a prosecutor, or both? Reportedly this animal's rap sheet included a heroine dealing conviction. He shouldn't have been loose -- he should be in jail for the rest of his natural life. Shame on the court system for setting the stage for this tragedy. Recall Dvorak -- he's been on the public teet his whole adult life. Send him to the private sector where he'll likely wash out -- meanwhile, let's get someone with some backbone in that office.
Posted by: Kurt Location: Granger on May 20, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Nice criminal history. It was just a matter of time until he killed someone. You can take him off the street and make him someone's girlfried for life as far as I'm concerned. His sister should be ashamed of herself for publically defending him in the posts on the other story related to this horrible incident. My prayers go out to Mr. Muddiman's family.
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