Clark County Judges Andrew Adams and Bradley Jacobs were shot in Indianapolis
The initial fax stated by police to the Indianapolis local news was that a group including the judges who were shot were in town and apparently bar hopping . The judges went to the White Castle, which is about half a mile from the state Capitol. The judges were standing outside the restaurant when a car pulled into the lot and the people inside got out, police said.
Further details are still emerging but here are the official statements from the authorities .
Statement from Clark County Presiding Judge Vicki Carmichael
May 1, 2019
Clark County Presiding Judge Vicki Carmichael is shocked to learn of the overnight violence involving her fellow judges. Along with her colleagues, she is in Indianapolis attending educational programming.
Any questions about the nature of the shooting should be directed to police. However, Judge Carmichael has been assured that there is no reason to believe the judicial officers were targeted because of their positions with the judicial branch. This appears to be a random act of violence.
It is important for detectives to investigate the situation; therefore, Judge Carmichael will not be making any statements regarding the particulars of the event. However, Judge Carmichael has spoken with fellow judges who were with Judge Adams and Judge Jacobs and she has been advised certain reports circulating about the event are inaccurate. She urges caution until police provide details and/or make an arrest. Judge Carmichael appreciates the outpouring of support and love from the members of the Clark county community.
Many of you have asked for on camera interviews regarding the overnight shooting. Neither Judge Carmichael nor Chief Justice Rush are giving interviews at this time.
Judge Carmichael has asked me to provide the following information to you.
Clark County Presiding Judge Vicki Carmichael received terrible news early Wednesday morning that Clark County Judges Andrew Adams and Bradley Jacobs were shot. Judges Carmichael, Adams, Jacobs, and other judges were in Indianapolis for the Spring Judicial College. The Spring Judicial College is one of many continuing education programs hosted by the Indiana Supreme Court for judges. The three-day educational event includes a poverty simulation, commercial driving cases, judicial decision making, criminal instructions, and e-filing. Hundreds of judges from across the state are attending the conference.
Both of the judges who were shot are valued members of the judicial family who are serving their communities. Judge Andrew Adams is the Clark Circuit Court 1 Judge. He was elected and took office on January 1, 2015. He is a graduate of Indiana University-Southeast and IU McKinney School of Law. He is also a United States Marine Corps veteran. Judge Adams hears major felony, estate, guardianship, and civil tort cases. He recently was certified to run a Veteran’s Treatment Court (April 2018 certified), and he also has an Adult Problem-Solving Court (provisional certification Dec 2019). He is married and has three children.
Judge Bradley Jacobs is the Clark Circuit Court 2 Judge. He was elected and took office on January 1, 2015. He graduated from Indiana University-Southeast and University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, and he is a United States Marine Corps reserve veteran. Judge Jacobs hears all drug related crime cases. He is involved in the Clark County CARES program and enjoys speaking at schools to encourage students. Judge Jacobs is married with three children.
Clark County courts are closed today (May 1) but will reopen tomorrow (May 2). The Office of Judicial Administration is working with Judge Carmichael to ensure the administration of justice continues in Clark County with senior judges and pro tem judges.
The judges remain hospitalized.