Benjamin S. Jeffery, Annasue Rocha Obituary, Death: Identities Released of Victims, Injured Officers, and Suspect in Martin’s Supermarket Shooting

Benjamin S. Jeffery, Annasue Rocha Obituary, Death – On Monday night, the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office disclosed the identities of the individuals involved in the tragic shooting that took place at Martin’s Supermarket on E. Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart. According to the authorities, 49-year-old Benjamin S. Jeffery and 19-year-old Annasue Rocha, both from Elkhart, were fatally shot by 54-year-old Juan M. Sanchez, the lone gunman. The shooting occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Monday.

Rocha, who was employed at Martin’s Supermarket, and Jeffery, a customer, were the two victims killed during the shooting. Sanchez opened fire inside the store, and the shots fired created a dangerous situation for many other people present at the time. After the shooting inside the store, Sanchez exited the building and was confronted by two Elkhart police officers, Corporal Paul Vandenburg and Patrolman Ethan Pasternak.

Sanchez reportedly fired multiple shots at the officers. In response, Vandenburg and Pasternak returned fire, fatally wounding Sanchez. The gunfire from Sanchez struck both officers, who were injured in the exchange. Thankfully, both officers survived. Pasternak, who was injured more seriously, remains in the hospital and is reported to be in fair and stable condition. Vandenburg, who was also injured, has since been released from the hospital.

Sanchez had recently moved to the Elkhart area from Illinois within the past year, according to the authorities. The shooting incident, including the actions of Sanchez and the response of the police officers, is currently being investigated by the Elkhart County Homicide Unit. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities collecting evidence, conducting witness interviews, and gathering background information.

As part of the investigation, authorities have asked anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department at 574-295-2825.

Corporal Vandenburg has been with the Elkhart Police Department for over seven years, while Patrolman Pasternak has served for almost two years. Both officers are now recovering from their injuries sustained during the confrontation with Sanchez.

The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to assess the circumstances of the shooting, the responses of the police officers involved, and any other relevant details regarding the incident. The tragedy has left the community shaken, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the deadly confrontation at Martin’s Supermarket.