A 12-member jury in Starke Circuit Court took 19 minutes Wednesday afternoon to find 54-year-old James Campbell guilty of murder and guilty of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle as a Level 6 Felony in the November 28, 2019 shooting death of 75-year-old Randall Bailey in Bailey’s Starke County home.
Witness testimony in this case revealed that Campbell arrived at the home on 550 E. on Thanksgiving Day and went inside to talk to Bailey’s wife, who is Campbell’s aunt, to ask her to message his sister. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach his sister, Campbell asked his aunt for a cup of coffee. Randall Bailey came into the house and exchanged statements with Campbell when Campbell said, “I think you should be dead,” according to testimony. Campbell’s aunt testified that she started to leave the room to get help as she felt uneasy about that statement. Witnesses said they did not hear any arguing or a physical fight but they soon heard a pop and consequently found Bailey on the floor. As people inside fled the home, witnesses testified that Campbell pointed the firearm at Bailey’s stepson and threatened his life, but he was unharmed. Witnesses also said Campbell stood over Bailey and fired a second shot.
CPR attempts were made prior to the arrival of emergency services and police. Bailey died at the scene, according to officer testimony.
Campbell then left the scene in his pickup truck and trailer, and would not stop for police when officers attempted to stop him. Officers said lights and sirens were activated on squad cars to indicate the attempt at a traffic stop, but Campbell did not stop. The pursuit ended on 10 Mile Road in Starke County where Campbell got out of his car and fled on foot, according to testimony. Two officers fired tasers and Campbell would reportedly still not comply with commands to surrender. A K9 was deployed and officers were then able to take Campbell into custody.
An autopsy revealed three gunshot wounds to Bailey’s face and head, one shot at close range, according to evidence presented in the trial. A forensic pathologist testified that any of the shots would have been fatal.
In closing arguments to the jury, Starke County Prosecuting Attorney Leslie Baker provided final arguments who recalled witness testimony in the trial in that Campbell shot Bailey in the face twice as witnesses told the jury they observed a gun in his hand. She stated there was no physical fight and there was no argument prior to the incident. Defense Attorney Richard Ballard argued in his closing statement that James Campbell is not a violent person and has never owned a handgun. He added that the weapon was never recovered in the case.The trial took three days with jury selection Monday, August 9. It continued with witness testimony Tuesday, August 10 and concluded August 11 at 2:42 p.m. CT when the jury was excused for deliberation. The court baliff was notified of a verdict at 3:01 p.m. CT. The jury came back with guilty verdicts.
A second phase of the trial allowed the jury to deliberate a firearm sentencing enhancement as testimony cited a firearm was used in the commission of the murder. After a short time, the jury came back with a guilty verdict with the sentencing enhancement charge.
The sentencing hearing is set for August 25 at 10:30 a.m. CT in Starke Circuit Court where Judge Kim Hall will determine a sentence. In the meantime, Campbell will be held without bond in the Starke County Justice Center.
