Suspect in fatal shooting worked at South Bend school

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Gary Stokes arrested for shooting at Southeast Park

Gary Stokes was arrested in connection with a shooting that killed one man and injured another at Southeast Park on Saturday, August 23, 2008. (Photo provided)

Story Created: Aug 25, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — The man police arrested following a deadly weekend shooting at a local park worked at a South Bend elementary school.

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South Bend Police arrested 57-year-old Gary Stokes in connection with the shooting. He has been charged with murder and battery with a deadly weapon.

It happened just before 7 p.m. Saturday as the Southeast Side Reunion wrapped up its celebration at Southeast Park near Fellows and Wenger streets in South Bend.

Deric Foulks, 39, of South Bend died at the scene Mario Rhodes, 20, of South Bend was shot in the back. He was treated and released from the hospital. It's believed an argument sparked the shooting.

Police estimate more than 1,000 people were in the area at the time.

The police were tipped off by witnesses who saw the suspect get into a blue car after the shooting. Stokes was arrested when police rushing to the scene stopped his vehicle near the park.

The South Bend School Corporation confirmed that Stokes was an employee at Harrison Primary School. A district spokeswoman said he was not a teacher, but a parent-teacher liaison with the Title One program.

The spokeswoman said she was shocked to learn Stokes was involved.

This isn't the first South Bend School Corporation staff member suspected of a crime. Ed Winchell was charged with three misdemeanor intimidation charges. He's accused of threatening several children with a rifle.

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