Kokomo Police detectives believe that the suspect arrested in connection with four shootings in less than 24 hours may have chosen his victims at random.
Turama Stitts, 36, was arrested in the shootings late Thursday night after an extensive search.
Police say it began Wednesday night when David Gibson, 64, was found lying unconscious in the 300 block of East Mulberry Street. The next morning at around 11:30, police discovered the body of 48-year-old Argena Williams at Taylor and Apperson Way. Minutes after making the discovery, officers found a woman shot around the corner in the 400 block of North Purdum. She was identified as 40-year-old Miriam Mallory.
Williams died after being brought to a local hospital. Mallory was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. Her condition is unknown at this time.
Police were later called to the 600 block of East Taylor at around 1:10 pm where they found Ricky Patterson, 51.
All four people were shot in the head. Mallory, Gibson and Patterson remain in the hospital. Their conditions are not known at this time.
Police say Stitts acted alone, and they don't believe drugs were involved.
Nearly 60 officers joined the effort to find the shooter, including officers from the Kokomo Police Department, Howard County Sheriff's Department and the Howard County Emergency Management Agency.
Kokomo Police released this statement Friday:
"The Kokomo Police Department expresses our deepest sympathy to all the victims and the victims' families for the tragedy they have endured. The thoughts and prayers of all the members of our department go out to each and every person who has been affected by these terrible events.
The Kokomo Police Department would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the citizens of Kokomo for all the assistance they gave us during this very trying and tumultuous 24 hour period. We would also like to thank the administration and staff of the Kokomo Center School Corporation for their assistance in helping us maintain the safety of their students. We would also like to thank all the members of the Howard County Sheriff's Department and Howard County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance during the investigation."
