Investigators say reunion gunman feared for his own life
Investigators say reunion gunman feared for his own life Save Email Print
Posted: 10:39 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:39 PM Aug 26, 2008
13 comments
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We have an update on the shooting that took place at the Southeast Side Reunion last weekend.

Police say 58-year-old Gary Stokes is charged with shooting and killing a man who actually shot him 17 years ago.

Stokes is behind bars on murder charges for shooting and killing 39-year-old Deric Foulks at the weekend reunion.

Police say Stokes told investigators he feared for his life, because he thought Foulks was armed.

Back in 1991, the victim pleaded guilty to attempted murder for shooting Stokes and his son.

Gary Stokes is also charged with battery for shooting a second man at the reunion, Mario Rhodes.

Rhodes is now home recovering.
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Posted by: Little Old Me Location: Wild Wild West on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I would of never went to this get together people need to STOP LOOK and LISTEN some times look at the surroundings that would of been the whole purpose of me not going.African american people cant get alone cause of he said she said that the other person said people please grow up and at your age
Posted by: Peter Location: Plymouth on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Guns at the family reunion. Somebody call Jerry Springer.
Posted by: good odds Location: thug bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:29 PM
tou and I both know that if there were that many people there and probably 100's carrying guns, only two low lifes shot was actually pretty good! I can't believe the reunion did't end up in a full scale riot with family threatened. Release this guy and make him a mishawaka cop so we can rid ourselves of low lifes everywhere
Posted by: Anonymous Location: southeast side on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM
fear for your life ? you think he has a gun ? why did you have a gun,he should have feared for his life.so if you fear for your life you should call the police or leave, not just kill someone for what you think will happen.what about the one who got shot running away from your shots.what did he do to you? you set this reunion up why didnt you find police to work to make it safer.
Posted by: true Location: sb on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:17 PM
one thug shoots another thug, the end
Posted by: ivory Location: south bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:04 PM
WHAT WAS STOKES AND HIS GUYS DOING AT 4 A.M. ON THE DAY OF THE 1991 SHOOTING ARMED IF HE IS INNOCENT?
Posted by: CB Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:30 PM
This is rediculous! You don't shoot someone just because you THINK they are armed! Get over your petty disputes. What a pillar of the community...settle your scores with a gun! Read your Bible, it says to forgive. Now, you've murdered someone, so much for following the "Thou shalt not murder" commandment!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mish on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:40 PM
He feared for his life, because he THOUGHT Foulks was armed, you are in jail and see you 10 years ....Did Foulks have a gun???
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:39 PM
And that is why this city continues into a downward spiral: people think it's justified to shoot someone. No wonder we've had 3 or 4 shootings since the weekend. This guy apparently went on the offensive and deserves whatever the law throws at him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:59 AM
he shot someoen that previously shot him and his son...whats the problem? i think it was justified, let the guy out of jail.
Posted by: Anon on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:26 AM
I'm sure he may have feared for his life, but he should not have fled!
Posted by: Al Location: MI on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Mr.Stokes, I understand why you did it. Because of plea bargains these people and their familes make your life horrible. Getting flowers with no name, following you, etc. What ever the outcome of your life will be, I will be thinking of you.
Posted by: booboo Location: out of state on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:41 AM
these old people have not grown up at all. he should something better to do. i was living in sb when that happen in 91.his son thought he was some kind of bully back then. that why that happen

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