Prosecutors Charge Man In Slaying, Not Officer Shooting

INDIANAPOLIS -- Prosecutors Monday filed charges against a man accused of killing a 69-year-old man in his home days before he allegedly shot an Indianapolis Metro police officer.

Brian Reese, 36, is now charged with murder, robbery, burglary and carrying a handgun without a license in the shooting death of Clifford Haddix, 69, on July 6, Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said at a news conference Monday.

Haddix was shot and killed in his home in the 3000 block of East Newton Street. According to court documents, a witness saw Reese go inside the home and later heard three gunshots from inside the home, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

Police apprehended Reese on Thursday, but not before Officer Jason Fishburn, 29, was shot in the head and chest during a brief police pursuit.

Prosecutors said Monday his office was waiting to file charges against Reese in Fishburn's shooting, pending more word from doctors on his condition.

"We're just reviewing all of the information and the facts to determine the appropriate charges and what level of charges there should be," said David Wyser, Marion County chief trial deputy prosecutor. "We're going to wait and see what happens with that before we make any determination."

Reese's father, Paul Reese, 65, and Reese's girlfriend, Lona Bishop, 24, were also charged Monday.

Paul Reese was charged with murder, robbery and burglary, while Bishop was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the three planned the robbery at Haddix's home together, but it was Brian Reese who forced his way into the house, stole several items and then shot Haddix.

Brian Reese's initial hearing was scheduled for Wednesday. He is held without bond in the Marion County Jail.

Officer's Condition Improves

Fishburn's condition was upgraded slightly Monday morning from guarded critical stable to critical stable, indicating a lessening of the chance that something unexpected could cause his condition to worsen.

Fishburn remains heavily sedated, but his doctors are slowly lowering the level of sedation to see how he reacts.

Doctors and family members said Fishburn is responding to physical stimuli and that they are testing his ability to respond to verbal commands.

IMPD Sgt. Matt Mount said Fishburn remains on a ventilator but that he is taking a breath or two on his own periodically.

A fund has been established for Fishburn and his family at the Professional Police Officer's Credit Union at 1502 E. Washington St.