On February 7, 10-year-old Sophia Burks was fatally shot at her home in Mishawaka, Indiana. Police said the gun belonged to 18-year-old Jacob Olvera, who left it within reach of his girlfriend’s younger sister.
Background
Days before the shooting, Olvera reportedly brought the gun to the home, telling children it was a BB gun. On the day of the shooting, he left a backpack containing the gun in the bedroom while he, his girlfriend, and her grandfather left the house.
Police Investigation
Sophia’s sister confirmed Olvera misrepresented the firearm as a toy. Police found a real gun in the bedroom. When questioned, Olvera denied bringing a real firearm and could not explain how it ended up there.
Additional Findings
Police searched Olvera’s home and found a handgun, firearm-related items, and a conversion switch, a device that can make a semi-automatic gun fully automatic. At the time, Olvera was 17, making possession of these items illegal.
Charges and Court
Olvera was charged as an adult with:
- Criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon
- Dangerous possession of a firearm by a child
- Two counts of possession of a machine gun
He remains in custody at St. Joseph County Jail on a $25,000 bond. His next court date is June 17.
