South Bend recorded its first homicide of 2025 when 31-year-old Damien Wafford was shot to death on the evening of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The shooting occurred on East Indiana Avenue and prompted an immediate police response. The South Bend Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the active investigation.

Wafford, known to family and friends as Woo, was a father, son, and brother. Authorities confirmed his identity and that his family had been notified. Public details about how the shooting happened remain scarce, and no suspect information has been released; no arrests have been announced as of the latest reports.

This is a community loss felt by those who knew him. If anyone witnessed the shooting on East Indiana Avenue that evening or has information that could help the investigation, please come forward to the South Bend Police Department.