Police, SWAT apprehend two suspects in connection to 2006 murder
Police, SWAT apprehend two suspects in connection to 2006 murder Save Email Print
Posted: 4:37 PM Jul 30, 2008
Last Updated: 7:37 AM Jul 31, 2008

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Homicide investigators arrested two people Wednesday in connection to a 2006 murder of 16-year-old Ja-Vonda Tharbs, a Washington High School cheerleader.



Jason Reeves

Jason Reeves, 31, faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

His girlfriend, Clover Smith, 31, faces a charge of assisting a criminal.

Mishawaka police called in the St. Joseph County/Mishawaka SWAT team after finding a potentially dangerous situation while attempting to carry out the arrest of Reeves and Smith.

When officers arrived at the home on Christyann Street where they believed the couple to be, they found a woman and two children also in the home.



Clover Smith

Because children were involved, the police decided to call in the SWAT team.

SWAT officers negotiated with the adults in the home, and at one time spoke with one of the children.

Reeves and Smith eventually exited the home and were apprehended by the officers.

Neither child was injured during the ordeal. The third adult also left the home safely.



Jermaine Reeves

Police are still looking for a third man, Jermaine Reeves, who also faces a conspiracy to commit murder charge.

As you may remember, Larry Mitchell was already convicted of fatally shooting Tharbs on prom night, at her sister's apartment.

According to the affidavit, statements from Mitchell -- who has admitted to firing the shot that killed the 16-year-old -- led investigators to Smith and Reeves.

The affidavit also indicates that Tharbs was not the intended target.

Jason Reeves, Jermaine Reeves, and Terry Wadell were seeking revenge against someone they believe shot their mother.

Larry Mitchell, a friend of the brothers, was the only one who actually fired any shots.

Clover Smith was not with the men at the time, but she allegedly knew about their plot, and they were driving a car she leased when the murder happened.

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Posted by: bill Location: plymouth on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:59 AM
They should have just shot them like they did the guy that pulled a nife out of his pocket!

Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Tom, just curious of how many times you have been arrested or dropped on that empty head of yours??

Posted by: Cleveland Location: Mishawaka on Aug 1, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Two people arrested for their part in a murder without anyone being hurt or a single shot fired and people are still complaining about the police? Crime is skyrocketing in Mishawaka. We'll be seeing a lot more killers being arrested in our neighborhoods as long as Rea is Mayor.

Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Aug 1, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I've experienced bully cops before but I'm still willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't want to do what they have to do everyday. Thanks MPD, and now let's CRANK UP OLD SPARKY!

Posted by: E Location: South Bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:03 PM
From everything I have seen from Tom, he has high school dropout who couldn't pass the police entrance exams and then lost his girlfriend to a real cop written all over him! Tom, just enjoy your rent-a-cop gig for what it is worth and get on with your life.

Posted by: B Location: South Bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Tom, I do believe you have a chip on your shoulder against the police department. Could it be it's because you, yourself, are a criminal?! If you are so against the police then why don't you become one yourself and get involved in Internal Affairs and sort out the bad ones?

Posted by: I don't get it Location: Elkhart on Jul 31, 2008 at 05:34 PM
It's funny how people are never happy with any decision the police make. Either they aren't catching criminals or, when they do, they use excessive force and are showboating. Until you walk a mile in someone's shoes, you have no right to judge them. How many times have you had to make a split second decision at work that could prove to be fatal for yourself or another human being? While the majority of people only see the most basic police work, there is much more to that job than you realize. I'm not a cop, not married to a cop, just have respect for the profession.

Posted by: joe Location: south bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Well.... here we go again.... just look at the pictures it says it all ... is this all these people are good for is killing...and stealing.... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...

Posted by: Kevin Rinehold Location: Mishawaka Indiana on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:52 PM
WOW, lots of comments on this site about the police. Some of you just do not like them. I have lived in Mishawaka for the past few years and work in South Bend. You talking about problems. They want to take 40 police off our streets in South Bend. How many with Mishawaka lose. I know that not all like the police but what would you do without them. Fight yourself, well good luck I would rather they do their job keeping me and my family safe. I think that the police do good for us, but at what price are you willing to pay Tom. With your life. No you sound like that guy that will crawl into a closet and cry if someone broke into your house and wait for the police to arrive. Our officers need the support of its citizans and we need them on the streets. Its not like our Mayor would wish harm on us or anything like that. When I moved here I remember Mishawaka had two officers killed. Tom you want that to happen again. Good job guys! Keep up the good work we support you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:48 PM
GOOD JOB POLICE TOO BAD YOU NASTY CRIMINALS I DONT FEEL ANY SORRY FOR YOU YOU TOOK AN INNOCENT LIFE HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE ONE WHO HAS A BULLET IN YOU KARMA LOOKS LIKE IT GOT YOU GOOD HAHAHA I HOPE THE OTHER ONE IS CAUGHT AS WELL NEXT TIME DONT KILL BECAUSE THE POLICE WILL EVENTUALLY GET YOU WHETHER IT IS 2 YEARS OR 100 YEARS LATER YOU BELONG IN JAIL NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT I HOPE YOUR CHILDREN END UP IN GOOD HOMES NOT TO BE WITH CRIMINALS LIKE YOU TO THE LADY WHO WAS CHARGED WITH ASSISTING A CRIMINAL YOU NEED TO BE CHARGED TO AS A MURDERER NOT AN ASSISTENT YOU WILL ROT IN JAIL CAUSE JOVANDA WAS AN INNOCENT VICTIM WHO WILL NEVER GROW UP BECAUSE YOU TOOK HER LIFE TOO EARLY TO ALL THREE CRIMINALS JUDGEMENT DAY IS COMING ONCE YOU DIE IN JAIL BETTER START PRAYING TO JOVANDA'S FAMILY GOD HELP THE POLICE TO CAUGHT THESE HARD CRIMINALS LEAVE IT IN GODS HANDS JOVANDA IS IN HEAVEN RIGHT NOW WITH HER SAVIOR LOOKING DOWN ON HER FAMILY AND SMILING

Posted by: anon Location: South Bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Wow Tom ~ Have an issue with police do you? You must have had many run-ins with them. Good job MPD!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Small people want to bring big people down. That's a universal law.

Posted by: Jenna Location: SB on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Tom, you are an idiot. Just because you failed the test to become a cop doesn't mean you should go onto every site and bash the police. Get a life. I don't care if they had a juggler and bearded lady there, I will take all those theatrics to get criminals off the street.

Posted by: Tom Location: South Bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:55 PM
If you are comforted by the fact that they have finally removed this individual from the street and made themselves look like heroes (this was all a show )they could have taken this individual without the theatrics.Just keep in mind there are several hundred more armed criminals out there and they are in uniform.

Posted by: O on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:44 PM
OH Mishawaka, its just a matter of time before your Section 8,Mishawaka Avenue 5 apts to a home, Trailer Parks, have their share of mess too,,,

Posted by: kc9ixv Location: the late great u.s.a. on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:31 PM
this is why i dont live in mishawaka/south bend or even elkhart or goshen. you gotta be crazy living in the hood. that's what them places are known for.

Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Now that we have them behind bars-let's crank up old sparky and get rid of some more thugs before they are let out again to kill again.

Posted by: M Location: Mishawaka on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I hope she can now RIP. I hope they catch the others still on the streets.

Posted by: neighbor Location: mishawaka on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I would like to say great job to the police for finally catching up to them. I live just houses away from the incident with young children and agree that there are too many rental properties around the neighborhood. I do also believe there needs to be more police patrol especially in the earlier morning hours since just this weekend I had my car window smashed in. Almost once a year someone is breaking into the cars and it doesnt help to lock the doors because they get in anyway. Mishawaka is a great city (I grew up in South Bend) and crime happens everywhere, what ever happened to the neighborhood watches?

Posted by: WooHoooooo on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Wow the Mishawaka Police got to pump out their chests and play tough guys for a few hours. I am impressed. Those boys think they are the NBC Peacocks! As for crime in Mishawaka, ha! It's there with the criminals on the westside. Yes, that once very nice neighborhood has turned into thugville or rather drug/trash central. All those people that got run out of south bend because of urban redevelopment are now in Mishatucky! Lock your doors and cock your guns!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Anonymous @ 501 just wanted to cause a stir. Which is the main reason most low lifes comment on here. Boredom with no other human interaction. I mean seriously folks, no one could actualy be that ignorant. And regardless if all the facts were not originally there you still need to use common sense. Everything is not a conspiracy.

Posted by: mishawaka Location: mishawaka on Jul 31, 2008 at 08:15 AM
I have two children and we live in this neighborhood. It is starting to get very rough over here. Maybe the city should do something about all the SLUM lords that rent to anyone. They don't care as long as they have money in their pocket. First time home buyer program, the new park, now if we could get rid of the rentals maybe we would feel safe to let our kids play outside.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: SbI on Jul 31, 2008 at 02:10 AM
Its sad what happened on all accounts the poor girl whose life was taken from her at a young age. And the Other people that took part in it that her life and as well as the others didn't mean enough the them. Maybe now the girl can rest because she knows that the people are caught

Posted by: G SE Location: Mishawaka on Jul 31, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Mayor Rea... Mayor Rea... WAKE UP!!Our neighbor city South Bend doesn't just stop at Ironwood. There is no wall that magically keeps crime out. Wake Up Mishawaka citizens it hear, its hear. Section 8, thugs, its not the old Mishawaka from the 1960 - 70's neighborhoods. The Princess city aint like she used to be. Cosmetically we build Riverwalks, aka a new Downtown, new streets, But the HEART of Mishwawka is dieing, which is the quality of life or the quality of its citizens. Mayor Rea it will catch up with u soon just down blame the economy like everybody else. You need more police. this is getting ridiculous. My niehbor is a Mishawaka Cop and she told me that on the street there is only "9" guys in the entire city that have to be working. "9"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..... I've lived in Mishawaka for 40( ) years...... Mayor Rea there needs to be some changes.

Posted by: G Location: Mishawaka on Jul 31, 2008 at 12:23 AM
NOTHING HAPPENS IN MISHAWAKA..I'M SUPRISED MAYOR REA LET IT BE ON THE WNDU WEBSITE..LOL

Posted by: East Side Joe Location: South Bend, In. on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Great Job S.W.A.T.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Gary, VERY well said!! I understand you. Not only for the children though, they take FREEDOM and LIBERTY away from the adults there too!

Posted by: CB Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I'm so glad that justice is finally being served in this poor girl's cold-blooded, pre-meditated murder. I hope the judges smack all of them with the death sentance or life in prison for taking away a beautiful soul in such a horrific way. Thank you officers for a job well done!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: SB on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Does anyone remember this wonderful little girl w/ a future? I'm sorry but I met some of her family members one day, I knew who they were by the T shirts w/ her beautiful picture on it, and the expressed the....there's no words to express the meaningless ness of this crime. This was a girl after prom...think of your Son or daughter going to an after prom, South, west,east or northside and dying b/c someone was heartless????Just imagine!!?? Can you??? I bet not. So what if someone was cuffed...you know people do lie when they are in trouble. The police were just doing their job. Just pray that the kids get help and grow up better then their parents. Pray for the Tharbs family so they can go through a trial all over again. My prayers are w/ you all even the "bad guys". My God save their souls.

Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Wow, considering such a clean shaved man, I cannot believe he could have done this. I say the picture speaks for itself, guilty, NEXT CASE!

Posted by: James Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Super Job by the Mishawaka Police. Keep up the good work and be safe.

Posted by: GO PD Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Maybe anonymous should learn some details, before flapping their gums about something they know nothing about.Nice job chastizing the police,when they were in the right to do what they saw fit for the safety of everyone involved.

Posted by: Tôm Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I didn't know scum like this could be found in Mishawaka.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:22 PM
In anonymous's defense, the story originally ha dnot details about who was inside or what it was about.

Posted by: Our home Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Thank You and great job St. Joseph County/Mishawaka SWAT team, the police safe at home tonight. Police are still looking for a third man, Jermaine Reeves, police at Phone (574) 258-1683 Fax (574) 258-1690 & (574) 235-9263 or Crime Stoppers at (574) 235-STOP Or, submit tips online at www.southbendcrimestoppers.com.

Posted by: Gary N. Ginger on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Primitive man. And they know it. That's why they go out of their way to make the world ugly; to ruin it for the rest of us; to make sure magic and wonder is ruined for kids who grow up where these primitives live.

Posted by: Maybe Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Maybe someone should report on the third child that was taken to the ground and handcuffed by the police. To make it worse the 13 child told them her name & the police thought she was her 30 year old mother.

Posted by: Proud SBPD on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Anonymous 501, what part of the story didn't you seem to understand? They were WANTED in connection with a MURDER! You think the police are just going to walk up and take the chance of getting shot. Look at the charges in the story unless you need someone to read it to you.

Posted by: Mary Location: Mish on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Excuse me! the article states they were wanted for possibly murder not just questioning. Mishawaka police GREAT JOB

Posted by: SINGLE Location: AROUND on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:51 PM
That's right they need to find these people they'll do it once they'll do it again keep up the good work they deserve all that is coming to them.the girl with them is stupid to she has now got her dumb ass into something that she cant get out of when will they ever learn never think the guy loves and now u r taking the rap for something he did hahahahahah

Posted by: Pete Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:35 PM
-overzealousness? OMG? Its a HOMICIDE suspect. What more do you need to know. Things were done for a reason. Great job to all the officers involved.

Posted by: Jason Location: Nappanee on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Are you serious Anonymous didnt you read the story or what.

Posted by: Housekeeping Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Anonymous 0401, Metro Homicide was involved... Might mean its pretty serious. SWAT doesnt just get involved for a kitty in the tree. Why don't you check your facts on the overzealousness comment. We have the publics safety in mind.

Posted by: anon Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:30 PM
WNDU was the only news crew there that I saw. I live less than a block from where this happened. And if you actually READ the story, you'd see that they're wanted in connection with a MURDER. I think that's reason enough to call in the SWAT team.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Another Career Criminal off the street. Now maybe one of our Judges will do something. Hold your breath.

Posted by: Anon on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Great job by the police!

Posted by: anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:01 PM
OMG! They were harboring children!!! Let's call out the SWAT team! Seriously, folks. Let's have a few details. What were these two accused of doing? It sounds like the police just wanted to talk to them and someone freaked because there were children in the house. Let's have a little less overzealousness on the part of the police and a little more solid reporting on the part of WNDU.


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