A family gathering in South Bend ended in a fatal shooting on the night of July 15, 2023. Michael Kotowski, 46, was shot at his home in the 1700 block of East Bowman Street after an evening spent with a friend working on cars and sharing food and drinks. Michael’s older brother, 48-year-old Steven Kotowski, arrived later and reportedly brought more alcohol; witnesses said Steven could become aggressive when he drank.

One witness said Steven handed his gun to that person and urged him to fire; the witness refused and Michael told his brother to put the weapon away. After that witness left just after midnight, a neighbor heard an argument and then gunshots. The neighbor went outside and saw Steven standing over Michael’s body; another witness saw Steven on top of a man believed to be Michael, slapping him and then allegedly admitting, I shot him. Michael was taken to a hospital but died of his wounds. The South Bend Violent Crimes Unit investigated and Steven Kotowski was arrested and charged with reckless homicide, held in the St. Joseph County Jail.

Are there additional witnesses or video that anyone in the area observed that night?