East Chicago, Indiana — A man is currently on trial for allegedly killing a 49-year-old man during a shooting that was reportedly intended for another individual. Maurice Berry, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Javier “Campa” Olvera while attempting to target his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend at a local BP gas station on March 30, 2024.
Authorities state that while Olvera was at the gas station to purchase a few sodas, he was shot multiple times by Berry. The intended target was injured in the arm during the incident. Berry has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and other firearm-related offenses, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The trial commenced with jury selection on Tuesday, and opening arguments were anticipated to follow later in the day. Notably, last week, Berry turned down a plea deal that could have sentenced him to as many as 85 years behind bars.
Police responded to the gas station around 8 p.m. on the day of the incident. Security footage showed Berry arriving in a black Chevy Trailblazer and entering the gas station with a concealed weapon. Upon entering, he encountered Olvera, who was already in line, and the intended target, who had come in to buy a cigar. Witnesses reported that Berry and the other man exchanged words before the shooting took place.
Berry allegedly fired at the targeted individual almost immediately, resulting in Olvera collapsing on the floor. Law enforcement determined that the shots were fired within a matter of two seconds, leading investigators to suspect that Berry’s weapon had been modified for rapid fire.
The intended target initially suggested that Berry had mistaken him for someone else but later acknowledged their connection. He suffered a gunshot wound that shattered his upper arm and caused additional damage from bullet fragments. He did not return fire, despite carrying a handgun at the time.
Tributes for Olvera have surfaced since his passing. According to his obituary, he was known for his 18 years of service as a forklift driver at Hammond’s Pacmoore Products. A family man, he was passionate about sports, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers, Liverpool FC, and Club America. In addition, he enjoyed biking and listening to Mexican music.
The case is being presided over by Judge Natalie Bokota, with Deputy Prosecutors Tim Brown and Lindsay Latham representing the state. Berry is defended by attorney Susan Severtson.
This article was automatically written by Open AI, and the people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate. Any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by emailing contact@publiclawlibrary.org.