By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

Jacob Wesley Elmore

WARSAW — A Warsaw teenager received a 21-year sentence for two criminal cases, including a shooting which resulted in the paralysis of a man.

Jacob Wesley Elmore, 19, 1436 S. Oak St., Warsaw, was charged with robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 2 felony; and possession of a narcotic drug with enhancing circumstances, a level 5 felony. Four additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Elmore was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One on Tuesday, July 22.

For robbery, Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Elmore to 18 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with Elmore required to serve 10 years before he is considered for any potential sentence modification. Elmore also received a three-year DOC sentence for narcotic drug possession, with the entirety of that charge suspended on probation.

Both charges will be served back-to-back. In total, Elmore received a 21-year sentence, with 18 years executed and three years on probation. He has 109 days of jail time credit. A no-contact order between Elmore and the shooting victim remains in effect.

Two firearms seized in these cases will be disposed of by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and Warsaw Police Department.

At sentencing, Defense Attorney Seth Tipton had Julia Tuinstra testify about her family’s ties to Elmore. Around 10 people attended the sentencing in support of Elmore.

Tuinstra said her husband was a Warsaw teacher who had Elmore as a student and noticed he was experiencing attendance issues. She said her family helped Elmore with housing and a job, describing themselves as mentors to him.

Tuinstra noted personal issues Elmore had in his life prior to she and her husband meeting him. Elmore’s mother passed away when he was young and his father is incarcerated. She said Elmore’s crimes occurred early in their involvement with him and that he was in jail for three months before they bailed him out, with the Tuinstras assisting Elmore with physical and mental health treatments.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek said Blane Neer, the shooting victim in the robbery incident, is now paralyzed and will never walk again as a result of Elmore’s actions.

“Blane’s life is chaos right now because Jacob wanted to be a gangster and tried to rob him,” said Sobek. “Jacob had his struggles and issues, but that isn’t an excuse to paralyze someone.”

Tipton said the emotion surrounding the case was high and that he understood Elmore giving an apology would not be enough for what happened.

“Everyone here is going to need prayers, love and support,” said Tipton.

Elmore apologized for his actions in court.

“There are clearly no winners here today,” said McGrath. “This was a horrible, horrific decision … likely stemming from the really rough cards that Jacob was dealt. I hope the victim finds the support he needs to overcome these new challenges.”

She noted Elmore was also “blessed beyond measure” to have the support system that he does.

Affidavits of Probable Cause

On April 22, 2024, Warsaw Police officers responded to a residence regarding a drug overdose involving Elmore.

Upon arrival at the scene, emergency personnel saw Elmore was unresponsive and initiated lifesaving procedures.

According to court documents, officers spoke with a child at the scene, who said they woke up and found Elmore unresponsive. They said Elmore had taken pills in the past and gave officers a container with pills identified as fentanyl.

On May 23, 2024, law enforcement responded to a shooting at a residence on Rosemont Avenue in Warsaw. The shooting victim, Neer, was conscious and breathing at the scene. Elmore was identified as the shooter and fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

Neer spoke with Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith and KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand at the scene. He told them he was inside a vehicle and tried to get out when he was shot in the back.

Neer was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne and underwent surgery for his injuries, as the bullet did not exit his body.

A woman in the residence said she was present when Elmore, Neer, and a man arrived at the home. The man came into the home while Neer and Elmore stayed outside. She said they heard a gunshot outside and saw Neer on the ground and Elmore leaving the scene in a vehicle. The man then jumped in his vehicle and followed Elmore.

A short time later, the man returned to the scene and told officers he met with Elmore at a local golf course and took possession of the firearm.

After initially fleeing the scene, Elmore changed course and turned himself in to law enforcement.

A KCSO detective later spoke with Neer while he was hospitalized. Neer said Elmore pulled out a gun, pointed it at him, and told him to “give me everything in your pocket.” Neer said he slapped the firearm away and attempted to jump out of the vehicle when Elmore shot him.