A violent and deeply personal tragedy has left the South Bend and Elkhart communities reeling after a well-known yoga instructor was shot and killed, a woman was seriously injured, and the suspected gunman—an ex-South Bend police officer—was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a fire at his residence.
Authorities identified the suspect as Adonis Latroy Joseph, 41, of Elkhart, a former South Bend Police Department officer who investigators say carried out a targeted attack before fleeing the scene and taking his own life.
Shooting at Highlands Apartments
Police say the violence unfolded Monday afternoon inside an apartment at the Highlands Apartments on Links Drive in South Bend, where officers were dispatched around 1:50 p.m.
Inside, investigators found 38-year-old Kaylon Rashaad Woods, a respected yoga instructor at DRIP Infrared Sauna Studio, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Outside the building, officers located 30-year-old Madi Morin, who had also been shot. She was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and is currently recovering.
Authorities allege the shooting was targeted and driven by personal conflict, involving a complex relationship between those involved. Investigators say Joseph was Morin’s former partner and the father of her two daughters, while Morin had been dating Woods at the time of the shooting.
Manhunt and Fire at Elkhart Home
Following the double shooting, law enforcement tracked Joseph to a residence in the Golden Pond Trail subdivision in Elkhart County. A large police response, including SWAT teams, converged on the area as officers attempted to secure the scene.
During the standoff, a fire broke out inside the home, prompting a full emergency response from police and fire crews.
Once the blaze was extinguished, authorities discovered Joseph deceased inside the residence with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Investigators believe he died after setting the home on fire.
Former Officer’s History
Officials confirmed Joseph joined the South Bend Police Department in 2011 and served until 2018, when he resigned following an Internal Affairs investigation into allegations of misconduct. His departure came after he was relieved of duty during the review process.
Remembering Kaylon Woods
As the investigation continues, tributes are pouring in for Kaylon Rashaad Woods, who was widely known and loved in the South Bend wellness community.
Woods taught yoga at DRIP Infrared Sauna Studio, where students and colleagues describe him as a calming, uplifting presence who brought energy and peace into every space he entered.
Jayme Barcus, owner of DRIP, shared a heartfelt statement honoring his impact:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of someone who meant so much to our community. He was not only a talented yoga instructor at DRIP this past winter, but a steady, positive presence who brought people together. Our hearts are with his kids, his family and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Friends and students remember Woods as more than an instructor—he was a mentor, a father, and someone who consistently showed up for others with kindness and purpose.
Community Support and Ongoing Investigation
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Madi Morin and her two daughters as they face recovery and loss in the aftermath of the shooting.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is asking anyone with additional information to contact them at 574-295-2825 or 574-296-1888.
As South Bend and Elkhart process the tragedy, the focus remains on honoring a life lost, supporting those recovering, and confronting the devastating ripple effects of a targeted act of violence that ended multiple lives in different ways.
