Suspect had previously been charged with the wounding of two others in the same incident early Saturday.
Detectives with the Henderson Police Department have been investigating a shooting incident in the area of the 700 block of Atkinson Street early this past Saturday morning. According to a Police news release detectives interviewed numerous subjects that were present when the shooting occurred. Witnesses identified 18-year old Japaris Baker of Henderson as the person who allegedly shot 18-year old Jai’Waun Wadlington of Evansville.
According to statements from witnesses police say an argument broke out at a party on Atkinson Street between subjects who reside in Henderson and subjects who live in neighboring Evansville. Authorities say Baker brandished a weapon and made statements that he was about to start firing. Witnesses stated that Baker then fired several rounds from the intersection of Loeb Street in the direction of where the majority of the people were standing. Three people were struck by the gunfire. Police identify the victims as 18-year old Travon Garrett, 18-year old Johnel Henderson and Jai’Waun Wadlington all of Evansville. Garrett was shot in the leg and was treated and released from Methodist Hospital. Henderson was transported to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville also with a gunshot wound to the leg. Police say Wadlington was shot in the back of the head and was pronounced dead at the scene in the 700 block of Atkinson Street. Baker was charged Sunday with the assaults on Garrett and Henderson and was charged early today with murder in the slaying of Wadlington. Baker remains lodged in the Henderson County Detention Center without bond.