South Bend teen guilty of murder

SOUTH BEND — Jurors deliberated for just over three hours Friday afternoon before finding a South Bend teenager guilty of murder. The jury returned a verdict close to 4:30 p.m., convicting 17-year-old Tevin Reaves of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting death of Courtney Rowell. Reaves was acquitted on three other charges; felony murder and two counts of attempted robbery. The mixed verdict ended a 4-day trial inside a courtroom packed with supporters for both sides. Various witnesses testified during the lengthy trial, including Reaves’ older brother Henry Bonds, who is charged in the same murder. Bonds, who testified for the state, said that he tried to stop his younger brother from shooting Rowell, but the teen wouldn’t listen. Bonds admitted to jurors that he bought ammunition for his younger brother and was with him the night he shot Rowell, but said he did not instigate the crime and told his brother not to do it. Meanwhile, Reaves’ uncle testified for the defense, asserting that it was Bonds who was responsible for the murder. Rowell, 33, was shot several times in May 2009 outside his apartment in the 1000 block of Lincoln Way West. Prosecutors said the shooting stemmed from a feud over money between Rowell and acquaintances of Reaves. The teenager will be sentenced April 29 at 10 a.m. Staff writer Alicia Gallegos: agallegos@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6368 Bonds admitted to jurors that he bought ammunition for his younger brother and was with him the night he shot Rowell, but said he did not instigate the crime and warned his brother not to do it. The four-day trial is expected to conclude Friday. The prosecution has rested and the defense started its case about 11 a.m. Continue to check WSBT.com and read Saturday’s South Bend Tribune for updates on this story.