South Bend, IN — The community is mourning the tragic loss of 37-year-old Brien Franklin Jr., who was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon in South Bend. The incident occurred in the 500 block of West Colfax Avenue, where officers from the South Bend Police Department (SBPD) responded to reports of gunfire.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they discovered Mr. Franklin unresponsive, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite the prompt response of emergency personnel and their efforts to render aid, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators from the SBPD Violent Crimes Unit immediately began canvassing the area, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing available surveillance footage. As of this time, no suspects have been identified, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to help bring justice and closure to Brien’s grieving family.
The news of Brien’s passing has left his loved ones and the broader South Bend community in deep sorrow. Friends and family describe him as a kind-hearted, genuine, and hardworking man who had a bright smile and a warm personality that made everyone around him feel valued. He was known for his dedication to his family, his love for his community, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about.
For those who knew him best, Brien was more than a name in a headline — he was a son, brother, friend, and confidant who brought joy and laughter wherever he went. His tragic and untimely death serves as a painful reminder of the toll that gun violence continues to take on families and neighborhoods.
As the investigation continues, the South Bend Police Department is calling for the community’s assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the South Bend Police Department’s Detective Bureau or submit an anonymous tip through Michiana Crime Stoppers.
While the circumstances of his passing are heartbreaking, those who loved Brien are choosing to focus on his legacy of kindness, strength, and love. Candlelight vigils and tributes are being planned in his honor, giving the community a chance to gather, reflect, and remember the life he lived.
In Loving Memory of Brien Franklin Jr. — A life taken too soon, but one that will never be forgotten. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn and serve as a lasting reminder of the need for peace and compassion in our communities.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact:
South Bend Police Department – Detective Bureau
(574) 235-9201
or
Michiana Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP
