A home burglary victim was charged Monday with shooting his neighbor nine times after the teen allegedly found humor in the crime.
Khanji Fairley, 30, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with murder in connection with last Friday's shooting death of 13-year-old Kobe Jones.
Jones was shot after reportedly laughing during Fairley's outburst after Fairley discovered his home on the 1000 block of Polk Street had been burgled. Police said the home was broken into at about 12:30 p.m. Friday. The homeowner and his girlfriend returned home about five hours later and was visibly upset about the discovery, police said.
"I was told that my son was laughing and the guy shot him dead," Jones' father, Kaunda Jones, told reporters on Saturday morning after driving up from Indianapolis.
According to prosecutors, a friend of Jones said Fairley asked if he knew who broke into his home, offering the friend a reward if he said who it was. Fairley then said he believed Jones was the burglar, allegedly saying, "I see them laughing over there. I know they did it."
Later that day, someone in a hooded sweatshirt ran up to Jones' residence from an alley and fired multiple shots, prosecutors said. A witness said the shooter had braids extending from under the cover of the sweatshirt.
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After the shooting, prosecutors allege Fairley spoke to Jones' mother who said he told her, "I don't care about kids, I will spray the whole block up."
Family members and friends gathered at the home where the shooting took place and reported that Fairley arrived back at his nearby residence in a Camaro and asked why they were gathering.
One witness claimed they heard Fairley state, "I want my stuff back before somebody else gets hurt," prosecutors said.
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During questioning, prosecutors say Fairley gave conflicting stories surrounding his whereabouts during the shooting and varying reports of where his 2013 Camaro was located.
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The teen, one of 12 siblings and described as a funny, outgoing young man, died at the scene and his death was ruled a homicide. Family members said the unexpected funeral would be a financial burden and have created an account to collect donations. Contributions can be sent in the form of a check or a money order to 505 Adams St., Gary, IN 46402 or the Chase account 3005774699.
