News

South Bend man accused in fatal shooting released

Posted: 3:36 PM Feb 4, 2013

The South Bend man accused in a fatal shooting nearly two years ago is now free. During a status hearing Monday, the state dismissed the murder charge against James Bond Jr.

Bond was set to go to trial later this month for allegedly killing Ramon Hamilton in April 2011. It happened at Leland and Lindsey Avenues on South Bend's near northwest side. Police say Hamilton died of multiple gunshot wounds.

After a three-day trial last December, Bond was found not guilty of felony murder or robbery. However, the jury was hung, or unable to reach a verdict, on the murder charge.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office has since determined that there is no additional evidence to make it more likely that a second jury trial would result in a conviction.

If more evidence is later found, the state may be able to re-file the murder charge though, since it has no statute of limitations.