SOUTH BEND, Ind— After more than a year of delays, a new trial date has been set for the woman accused of fatally shooting a young mother and wounding two others on South Bend’s east side in the summer of 2024.
Rya Barnes, who faces multiple felony charges, is accused in connection with the June 20, 2024, killing of 28-year-old Jasmine Swanson. The incident occurred on Parry Street, a residential neighborhood not far from the Marine Corps League, and left the community reeling.
According to investigators, the violence unfolded after a dispute that reportedly began on social media escalated into a face-to-face confrontation. Police say several people were inside the home at the time — including children — when the shooting erupted.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Swanson critically wounded. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after. Two other women at the residence were also shot, but their injuries were described as non-life-threatening. Both survived and have since been recovering.
Court records indicate that Barnes allegedly acknowledged to police that there had been an ongoing feud with individuals inside the home, confirming the argument’s origin on social media. However, she denied pulling the trigger. Investigators say surveillance footage from the area contradicts that claim, reportedly showing Barnes at the scene and implicating her in the gunfire.
Barnes was initially scheduled to stand trial in October 2024, but the case has been rescheduled multiple times for reasons not publicly disclosed in full. On Thursday, the court officially set December 1, 2025, as the new date for jury selection and trial proceedings.
The charges against Barnes include murder, attempted murder, and multiple counts related to the use of a firearm during a violent crime. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek an enhanced sentence if she is convicted.
The fatal shooting shocked residents of South Bend’s east side, with many expressing concern about disputes on social media spiraling into deadly real-world violence. Advocates for gun violence prevention have pointed to the case as another example of the urgent need for conflict resolution and intervention programs, especially when children are present in volatile situations.
Authorities are urging community members to remain patient as the case moves forward. “We know this has been a long process for the family and the community,” a spokesperson for the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office said. “Our goal is to present the strongest case possible in court and ensure that justice is served for Jasmine Swanson and all those affected.”
The December trial is expected to draw significant attention, with witnesses, video evidence, and forensic reports playing key roles in the proceedings.
If you want, I can also prepare a timeline version of the case showing each major development since June 2024 for quick reference. That would make the legal history easier to follow.
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