South Bend Police Announce Arrests in Tragic Shooting Death of Kristina Ortiz

SOUTH BEND, IN (July 18, 2025) — The South Bend Police Department has made significant progress in the investigation of the tragic shooting death of 37-year-old Kristina Ortiz, who was fatally wounded on June 7, 2025, in the 500 block of Wenger Street. Following weeks of intensive investigative work, authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the homicide: 23-year-old Nicholas Fairchild and 21-year-old Jalil Aaron Wills, both of South Bend.
**The Incident
On the evening of June 7, 2025, South Bend Police responded to reports of gunfire near Southeast Park in the 500 block of Wenger Street around 8 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Kristina Ortiz suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite efforts to save her, Ortiz was pronounced dead at the scene. According to authorities, Ortiz was with her 5-year-old son at the time of the shooting and was not the intended target, with no known connection to the suspects. The incident, which occurred in a populated area near the YWCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs, sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate response from the South Bend Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit.
**A Witness, A Vehicle, and Surveillance Footage
A critical breakthrough in the case came through a witness’s description of a dark blue vehicle seen in the area at the time of the shooting. This description led investigators to surveillance footage from nearby locations, including University Park Mall in Mishawaka, where the suspect vehicle was captured prior to the homicide. The footage showed the vehicle pulling into a nearby apartment parking lot minutes before the shooting and leaving shortly after. Authorities identified the vehicle’s owner as a relative of Nicholas Fairchild, and further analysis of the footage revealed both Fairchild and Wills inside the mall earlier that day. Wills was seen riding in the passenger seat of the vehicle, wearing clothing that matched witness descriptions.
**The Voice Note Confession
The investigation took a significant turn when authorities obtained a search warrant for Wills’ Instagram account. Voice notes allegedly sent by Wills on June 10, 2025, to another individual reportedly contained admissions of his involvement in the shooting. In the messages, Wills is said to have admitted to firing a Glock 9mm Gen 5 handgun and striking a woman in the head. He also reportedly expressed a desire to dispose of the weapon, referring to it as “dirty” due to its connection to the crime. Despite efforts, including a search of a residence associated with Fairchild where a shovel and a hole were found in the backyard, the firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered.
**Ballistic Evidence and Prior Incidents
Investigators collected shell casings from the crime scene, which were analyzed by the South Bend Police Department’s Ballistic Lab. The casings were determined to have been fired from a single firearm, consistent with a Glock 9mm Gen 5. Notably, these casings matched those found at other incidents linked to Wills and Fairchild, further solidifying their connection to the crime.
**Charges and Custody
On July 18, 2025, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office announced formal charges against the suspects during a press conference. Jalil Aaron Wills faces charges of:
– Murder, a Felony
– Criminal Recklessness, a Level 6 Felony
Nicholas Fairchild has been charged with:
– Assisting a Criminal – the Criminal Assisted Committed Murder, a Level 5 Felony
Both suspects were already in custody at the St. Joseph County Jail on unrelated charges prior to these filings. Wills had previously been charged on June 14, 2025, with Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Recklessness Committed with a Deadly Weapon, and Criminal Recklessness Shooting a Firearm into a Building. Both individuals are scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, July 21, 2025. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
**Community and Law Enforcement Response
Kristina Ortiz’s death has left a profound impact on the South Bend community. Described by those who knew her as a compassionate and vibrant individual, her loss has been deeply felt by family, friends, and neighbors. The senseless nature of the crime, particularly given Ortiz’s lack of connection to the suspects, has heightened calls for justice.
South Bend Police have credited the arrests to a combination of witness cooperation, advanced surveillance technology, and the diligent work of their investigative team. The Real Time Crime Center played a pivotal role in tracking the suspects’ movements through video evidence. “This case highlights the devastating consequences of reckless gun violence,” a police spokesperson stated. “We are grateful for the community’s assistance and the tireless efforts of our officers in bringing those responsible to justice.”
**Ongoing Investigation
While significant progress has been made, the South Bend Police Department continues to seek additional information about the events leading up to and following the shooting. Authorities encourage anyone with details about the suspects’ activities or the incident to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously through Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or directly to the South Bend Police Department at (574) 235-9263. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a monetary reward.
**Seeking Justice for Kristina
As the legal process moves forward, Kristina Ortiz’s family is grieving her loss and seeking justice. They have requested privacy during this difficult time while planning a memorial to honor her memory. The tragedy underscores the broader issue of gun violence in the community, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and cooperation to prevent future incidents.
The South Bend Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice for Kristina Ortiz and her loved ones, as the community mourns a life taken too soon.