Witness testimony concluded Wednesday morning in a Starke Circuit Court jury trial where James Campbell is accused of murder and resisting law enforcement with a vehicle after a shooting incident on November 28, 2019 at a Starke County home.
Randall Bailey, 75, was found to be shot to death at the home. Witnesses say James Campbell shot Bailey causing his death. He then fled the scene in his vehicle and did not cooperate with police officers when they attempted to stop the vehicle, leading police in a pursuit throughout southern Starke County, according to testimony. When the pursuit concluded, Campbell reportedly would not comply with police commands to surrender and was eventually taken into custody by use of a police K9.
An Indiana State Police crime scene technician testified Wednesday morning, along with an Indiana State Police firearm and tool mark examiner, a forensic pathologist, and a Knox City Police Department K9 officer.
The State rested Wednesday morning while the Defense rested Wednesday afternoon without calling any witnesses. Campbell did not testify.
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.
Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall gave the jury final instructions Wednesday afternoon and the jury entered verdict deliberations at 2:42 p.m. CT.
