Several witnesses gave testimony Tuesday during a trial in Starke Circuit Court where 54-year-old James Campbell faces charges of murder and resisting law enforcement.
Campbell is accused of shooting 75-year-old Randall Bailey to death on Bailey’s Thanksgiving Day birthday at Bailey’s Starke County home on November 28, 2019. Following the alleged act, Campbell then reportedly led police on a pursuit for about 25 minutes that traveled through much of the southern part of Starke County. It ended at 400 West and 150 South when Campbell fled on foot, but was later apprehended with the assistance of a police K9.
The victim was the husband of Campbell’s aunt. They had been married for over 30 years.
Officers from the Knox City Police Department and Starke County Sheriff’s Department provided testimony along with the victim’s wife, step-son and daughter-in-law, and two older grandchildren.
According to witness testimony, Campbell entered the Bailey’s home, exchanged a few statements with Randall Bailey and shot him once. Eye witnesses say Bailey was on the floor when Campbell fired a second shot a short time later. Campbell also reportedly threatened to shoot Bailey’s stepson.
Campbell did not typically go inside the house when he went to visit the family at their home, according to statements made during Wednesday’s trial.
Testimony will continue Wednesday. Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall told the jury that since the trial is moving quickly, Starke County Prosecuting Attorney Leslie Baker and Defense Attorney Richard Ballard may give closing statements as early as Wednesday afternoon, depending on the length of witness testimony. The jury could enter deliberations before Friday.
