Johnny Depriest Parker, a 40-year-old Black man from Elkhart, Indiana, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 15, 2024. The shooting occurred at Phil’s Corner, a bar just outside Elkhart on County Road 7. Deputies found Parker with a gunshot wound and he was taken to Elkhart General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is leading the investigation but has said it is not actively searching for a shooter or any suspects, a decision that has not been explained publicly and leaves key circumstances unclear. Parker was born December 1, 1983; he was married with three children and worked in the Thor Industries cabinet shop and as a barber. He enjoyed painting cars, playing pool and basketball, and spending time with family and friends.

The family and community want answers, and the incident has raised questions about security at the establishment where the shooting occurred. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit.