16-year-old Alyyus Enoexpettiford was out with a group of friends during the summer holidays when he was shot.
Here’s what we know:
Who was Alyyus Enoexpettiford?
Alyyus Enoexpettiford had just completed his freshman year at Riley High School in South Bend. He was a typical teenager, Alyyus Enoexpettiford’s father told St. Joseph County Assistant District Attorney Michelle Golebiewski. His father, whose name prosecutors asked not to disclose, said: “Alyyus was a good boy. He never got into trouble.”
How and when was he killed?
On Friday, June 14, South Bend Police were called to the scene at approximately 5:45 p.m. for a shooting in the 500 block of East Victoria Street. Upon arrival, officers found Alyyus suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A medical examiner determined that Enoexpettiford died of a gunshot wound to the head. The suspect was not arrested.
Why was he shot?
Enoexpettiford was with a group in the backyard of a person he was visiting when 19-year-old Derrick Myles approached them on his bicycle and accused some people in the group of damaging his relative’s home, prosecutors allege. Witnesses told officers that Myles argued with Enoexpettiford, pulled out a gun, fired once and ran away, leaving his bike behind. According to prosecutor Kenneth Cotter, the suspect and victim did not know each other, and Enoexpettiford denied throwing rocks.
What is the status of the investigation?
Officers examined Myles’ bike and found it had “unique features,” court documents say. They investigated the bike’s owner and found Myles lived with the owner. Myles was positively identified from photos provided to witnesses, the detective said.
As of August 22, Myles had not been found. His indictment, which was previously sealed to give police ample opportunity to safely locate him, was unsealed on August 22, according to Cotter.
Police Lt. Kayla Miller said Myles has ties to South Bend and Chicago.
What charges are being made against the suspect?
The St. Joseph County District Attorney’s Office charged Myles with murder on July 11. If convicted, he faces 45 to 65 years in prison, plus an enhanced weapons sentence of an additional 5 to 20 years.
How you can help
Cotter urged anyone with information on Myles’ whereabouts to call 911, call the police non-emergency line at 574-235-9201 or contact Michiana Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip at 574-288-STOP.
“If you know where he (Myles) is, please let us know,” Cotter said. “Don’t confront him. Contact the police.”
Email Tribune editor Camille Sarabia at [email protected].
