Suspected gunman arrested in shooting of teller

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 20, 2008 at 9:22 AM EST

Story Updated: Jun 20, 2008 at 5:22 PM EST

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A man was arrested early Friday as the suspected triggerman in the shooting of a pregnant bank teller who later lost the twin girls she was carrying.

But police have made arrests in the case before, only to discover they were on the wrong trail.

Brian Kendrick, 29, was arrested on preliminary charges of attempted murder, robbery and two counts of feticide for the deaths of the twins. Police also arrested Aaron Stewart, 28, on a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery for allegedly helping Kendrick.

Katherin Shuffield, 30, was five months pregnant when she was shot in the abdomen April 22 after a gunman jumped over her station during a robbery at a branch of Huntington Bank. She lost the fetuses two days later.

Police said they wasted valuable time in the days that followed chasing down leads given to them by Shed James Jr. Police later discovered James' account of the crime was inaccurate and released three men arrested in connection with the robbery. James was sent to jail for 180 days after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of false informing.

Police Chief Michael Spears said an affidavit expected to be filed Monday, when formal charges were likely, will reveal more details.

"I think it will allow you to have that same sense of confidence that I have," Spears said of the document.

Authorities said they did not know whether Kendrick or Stewart had attorneys. Both were in jail pending the formal charges.

Detectives got new tips in the case last week. Detective Rob Challis said he did not know why the gunman shot Shuffield.

Katherin Shuffield, contacted by telephone Friday at her home in Franklin, declined immediate comment, saying she first wanted to talk with police and her attorney.

Deputy Police Chief William Benjamin said more than 400 officers worked the case.

"We did not leave a tip unturned," he said.

Indiana law allows prosecutors to charge people with murder in cases in which a fetus dies, but only if the mother is at least seven months pregnant.

Kendrick would face a possible prison sentence of 20 to 50 years if convicted of attempted murder. The charges of killing of a fetus each carry possible sentences of two years to eight years.

Authorities said they are not yet sure whether Kendrick or Stewart will face federal charges, which are possible in bank robberies.

No other people are being actively sought in the case, though a search continues for the gun used in the shooting, police said.

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