John Ray Deremer, 57, was shot and killed in the parking lot of The Pantry at 1501 North Wells Street in Fort Wayne on the afternoon of August 22, 2020. Responders arrived around 3:00 p.m. after reports of gunfire and found him with multiple gunshot wounds; medics’ efforts were unsuccessful and an autopsy ruled the cause of death multiple gunshot wounds and the manner homicide.

Investigators arrested 21-year-old Jesse Echavarria shortly after the shooting. Echavarria initially claimed he acted in self-defense, saying Deremer attacked him with a knife, while some witnesses said Echavarria tried to remove a knife from the victim’s pocket before firing. Charges were upgraded to murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony; the case moved through Allen County court and was ultimately resolved by a plea agreement.

If anyone saw the incident at The Pantry or has information about what happened that afternoon, please come forward.