Kokomo Police: Suspect chose shooting victims at random

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) - The shootings of four people in Kokomo were random and not tied to drugs, Kokomo Police said on Friday.

One person, David Gibson, 64, was shot Wednesday night. Police said Friday afternoon he had died . T hree others were shot Thursday near downtown Kokomo. Argena Williams, 48, died Thursday, and the others were seriously injured.

• UPDATE: Second victim dies

Police officials said Friday the suspect — 36-year-old Turama Stitts — acted alone and chose victims at random. Investigators don’t believe the shootings were tied to drugs or any other criminal activity.

Stitts was arrested Thursday and faces two preliminary charges of murder and two preliminary charges of attempted murder.

“The Kokomo Police Department expresses our deepest sympathy to all the victims and the victims’ families for the tragedy they have endured,” Kokomo Police officials said in a news release. “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.”

According to court documents, Stitts told police he believed the four people were trying to kill him. Police were also told that Stitts had been acting strangely, and that he had not been taking needed medication.

Nearly 60 officers worked the case Wednesday and Thursday leading up to the arrest of Stitts. He was scheduled for an initial court appearance at 8 a.m. Jan. 31 at the Howard County Courthouse.

Stitts was released from prison in 2006 after being sentenced for forgery in Hamilton County. In the past, he also faced charges for driving with a suspended license.