Trial date set for older brother charged in South Bend murder

SOUTH BEND — A trial date has been set for the second of two brothers charged in the same murder. Henry Bonds, 29, appeared before a judge this morning in which his trial was scheduled for June 21. Bonds is charged with murder in the 2009 death of 33-year-old Courtney Rowell, who was shot in front of his Lincoln Way West apartment. Prosecutors say Bonds and his younger brother Tevin Reaves, then 16, shot and killed Rowell because of an ongoing dispute. Bonds testified against his younger brother earlier this month at the teen’s trial, claiming he told the teenager not to shoot Rowell. A jury found Reaves guilty of murder. He will be sentenced April 29. At Monday’s hearing, Bonds’ public defender Charles Lahey said prosecutors have said they expect Bonds will soon face federal charges, possibly affecting his availability in the state’s case. Bonds currently has two federal charges pending, including one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of transferring ammunition to a juvenile. It was unclear if the anticipated federal charges relate to the Rowell case or a new case.