BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A suspected relationship dispute has led to a murder charge against a 23-year-old Bloomington man accused of fatally shooting a 24-year-old man outside an apartment on the city’s west side.
Jaymon Trey Gilreath was formally charged with murder on October 12 in connection with the October 8 shooting death of Noah Slinkard, of Bedford, according to court records.
Police were called to an apartment in the 1000 block of North Illinois Street at around 8:30 p.m. Officers found Slinkard near the apartment’s front doorway with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to IU Health Bloomington Hospital, where he later died.
Investigators say the events leading up to the shooting centered on Gilreath’s suspicion that Slinkard was romantically involved with the mother of his child. During an interview with detectives, Gilreath reportedly said he had a “gut feeling” that she was cheating on him.
According to court documents, Gilreath had been with friends when they drove past the woman’s apartment and noticed Slinkard sitting on the porch. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that Gilreath got out of the vehicle, saying he intended to fight Slinkard. He allegedly warned his friends to leave if they heard a gunshot.
The situation soon turned deadly. Investigators say surveillance footage captured Gilreath shooting Slinkard before leaving the area.
Court documents also describe what happened immediately afterward. Gilreath reportedly called 911 and told dispatchers that he had just shot someone. Officers subsequently located him and took him into custody.
The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was later recovered near a park bench after Gilreath allegedly directed officers to where he had discarded it.
During questioning, Gilreath reportedly said he could not remember the shooting itself. He told detectives that he remembered leaving the apartment and realizing he was holding a gun with its safety off before recalling that he had shot Slinkard.
The case now moves forward through the criminal court process as investigators’ accounts and other evidence are considered in the proceedings.
Gilreath is being held in the Monroe County Jail without bond. He was charged with murder, and the allegations against him have yet to be resolved in court.
