Published: July 07, 2008 03:06 pm         

Prosecutor hands off shooting investigation

State representative's son reportedly 'person of interest'

Cass County Prosecutor Kevin Enyeart has asked for a special prosecutor to handle a shooting investigation involving the son of a longtime state legislator.

The shooting reportedly occurred early Saturday in the 2200 block of South Ridgeview Way at the home of Jeff McClain, the son of State Rep. Rich McClain. Jeff McClain has been described as a “person of interest” in the case.

Detective Brad Sommers of Cass County Sheriff’s Department, the lead investigator in the case, confirmed Monday that Shawn D. Campbell of Lake Cicott was the victim in the shooting. Campbell was taken to St. Vincent North in Indianapolis. Hospital staff members confirmed Monday that he was a patient at the hospital, but they declined to release his condition.

Enyeart issued a news release Monday saying he had petitioned the court for appointment of a special prosecutor in the investigation because of a conflict of interest. Cass Superior Court II Judge Rick Maughmer granted the motion, appointing Howard County Deputy Prosecutor Ron Byal to handle the case.

Byal had no comment Monday, saying he had yet to receive any paperwork.

“The investigation is ongoing and no final decisions have been made regarding arrest or charging,” Enyeart's office said in its news release.

The news release offered an additional word of caution.

“Any suspect is innocent until and unless proven guilty,” it said.

Rich McClain is seeking his eighth term representing District 24 in the Indiana House of Representatives. Both he and Enyeart are Republicans.