On July 13th, 2021 at approximately 9:20pm, Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 were dispatched to the 1100 block of Buffalo Street regarding an unconscious male bleeding from the head. Officers arrived on scene and discovered 39-year-old Michigan City resident Aaron Luncsford lying on the floor with a severe head injury. Luncsford had a faint pulse and was immediately transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital by LaPorte County EMS where he was later pronounced deceased.
Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 were then dispatched to the 100 block of West Homer Street 14 minutes later regarding a person who was shot. Responding officers located a 43-year-old Michigan City resident shot in the neck outside of the residence. The victim was transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital before he was transferred to South Bend Memorial Hospital for advanced medical treatment. The victim from this incident is currently in stable condition.
Officers secured both crime scenes and canvased these areas of evidence. Witnesses were interviewed during these two investigations to gather more information. Detectives were then contacted to assist the Patrol Division with processing both scenes and conducting additional interviews. Joshua Cornelison, at 37-year-old resident of Michigan City, was identified as the suspect in both incidents and was quickly detained by officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 approximately one hour after the second shooting took place in the 100 block of West Homer Street.
Detectives continued to interview witnesses, search for video surveillance, collect/process evidence from these two investigations and attempted to identify any other suspect(s) that may be involved. These investigations were turned over to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office for further review and charges were filed in LaPorte County Superior Court #1. Cornelison is charged with Murder, a Felony, Attempted Murder Level 1 Felony, Burglary Level 2 Felony, Theft Level 6 Felony, and Criminal Mischief A-Misdemeanor. Cornelison is being held without bond and his initial court appearance is scheduled for July 20th at 8:30am.
Chief Dion Campbell states “This particular case was highly disturbing on so many levels. We are very appreciative of the hard work and quick apprehension of the suspect who could have killed additional people if not identified, located, and arrested. The arrest undoubtedly saved additional lives. It is evident that multiple isolated incidents of good police work by our department contributed to stopping this man from additional heinous acts. The Detective Bureau and the Patrol Division are to be commended for their actions.”
The Michigan City Police Department would like to thank the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office and LaPorte County Superior Court # 1 Judge Jamie Oss for their assistance with this investigation. Cornelison’s arrest photo from the LaPorte County Jail is attached to this press release. MCPD would ask anyone with information about this incident to contact the lead detective on this case, Detective/Corporal Kay Pliske at 219-874-3221 Ext: 1086 or email at kpliske@emichigancity.com
Other first responders who assisted with these incidents include the Michigan City Police Department’s Uniform Patrol Patrol Shift 3, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, Trail Creek Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County EMS.
We would also like to remind the public that you can contact us via Facebook Messenger, through our crime tip hotline number of 219-873-1488, or you can also call the WeTip Hotline for General Crime (800) 78-CRIME and possibly receive a reward upon an arrest and conviction. All WeTip call information is sent directly to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. You can always request to remain anonymous!
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.