Murder trial highlights gang problem in South Bend

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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South Bend Police say the gangs doing the most damage are those that are well funded, dealing in guns and drugs, and promoting organized crime. (WSBT file photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 14, 2007 at 4:32 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 3, 2008 at 2:29 PM EST

SOUTH BEND -- A tense trial this week in South Bend has shed new light on the city's gang problem.

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After two days of testimony, a jury convicted Larry Mitchell Thursday for shooting to death 16-year-old Ja-Vonda Tharbs.

Prosecutors argued this shooting was gang related. They say it is connected to a series of retaliatory shootings between gangs in South Bend.

Police stepped up their presence at the courthouse and even provided extra security to the attorneys and jurors in the case.

As for a retaliatory shooting, Tharbs’ mother Yvonne Fountain said, “It's a possibility. Somebody is going to get mad about it.”

But she pointed to the guilty verdict with hope.

“Maybe by him being convicted of the crime, maybe they'll think twice before they go and kill somebody else,” said Fountain.

Gangs in South Bend are nothing new.

“There are some main gangs that are doing some of the most damage,” said Capt. Phil Trent with the South Bend Police Department.

He says you'll find gangs in our schools and on the streets.

“The most dangerous gangs are the gangs that are well funded and operating and doing so to promote organized crime, and they're dealing with drugs and guns usually,” explained Trent.

Some groups are trying to fight the gang activity, but say it's a challenge. South Bend’s Weed and Seed Alliance is one of those. Their focus is on children.

“I think the pressure's on them to get a sense of belonging. I think what happens with gangs is it provides that sense of belonging,” explained coordinator Mark Dollinger. “What we're looking to do is steer them into activities they're welcome to be a part of and they belong with as well."

It’s so more mothers don't feel the same pain.

“I'm going to try and get more people on board, so we can get some of the violence out of our community," Fountain said.

The police department has several resources aimed at gang activity. Trent says they do believe their work is effective, which a case like Mitchell’s proves.

When he's sentenced, he could face 65 years in prison.

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