MUNCIE — A 19-year-old man died Saturday after a shooting near the campus of Ball State University, according to Muncie Police.
Police say Que'Aundre Johnson of Marion was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement to WRTV, Johnson's mom described her son as someone who loved to laugh and make people happy.
"Que’Aundre meant everything us. A loving father and all around high spirited person," Johnson's mom said in a statement. "He made the best of every situation. His smile could light up any room he entered. And he was definitely the “Life of the party” I will miss him forever and Our hearts are broken. He was just beginning to live his life."
The shooting happened around 12:40 a.m. near West University Avenue and North Dill Street in a shopping and dining area known as The Village.
The suspect, Malek Williams, 21, was arrested Saturday and formally charged Wednesday with murder and criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon. The Delaware County Prosecutor's Office says a firearms sentencing enhancement was also filed, which can add an additional 5-20 years to the total sentence.
A probable cause affidavit states Johnson suffered at least seven gunshot wounds.
Surveillance video taken at the scene showed Williams approach Johnson and talk with him for about one minute before he shot him, the affidavit alleges.
There were several bystanders present at the time, according to the affidavit.
Video then showed Williams chase Johnson northeast toward a gas station while shooting in his direction. Johnson eventually fell down in the gas station's southwest corner, in the 1500 block of West University Avenue, according to the affidavit.
Afterward, Williams ran down an alley where he escaped the cameras' sight.
After Williams' arrest, he admitted to shooting Johnson and told police where he left a handgun he used, the affidavit alleges.
An initial court date for Williams had not been scheduled as of Monday. He is being held without bail.
Anyone with information is asked to call Muncie Police detectives at 765-747-4867 or dispatch at 765-747-4838.
