June 23, 2010 - Jermaine Reeves, 30, of South Bend, has been arrested in connection with the April 29, 2006, murder of Ja-Vonda Tharbs, 16, of South Bend.

Reeves was charged on July 29, 2008, with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Class A felony.  He has been a fugitive since that time.

The County Metro Homicide Unit and the Prosecutor’s Office convey their appreciation to the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force of Northern Indiana and Atlanta for their diligent efforts in locating and apprehending Reeves.  These agencies have fielded numerous tips and followed upon many leads to locate Reeves.  We also thank the law enforcement officers from Atlanta, Georgia, for their assistance in this arrest.

Reeves will appear before a judge in Georgia, and will be given the opportunity to waive extradition proceedings. Should Reeves waive extradition proceedings, arrangements will be made by St. Joseph County and Georgia law enforcement agencies to facilitate transportation to the St. Joseph County Jail.  If he chooses not to waive extradition proceedings, the Prosecutor’s Office will file necessary documents with the Indiana Attorney General and the Governor to initiate extradition. Further information will be released about the status of extradition when the information becomes available.

Reeves is the fifth defendant charged in connection with Miss Tharbs’ murder:
•    Larry Mitchell was convicted of Murder following a December 2007 jury trial, and sentenced to 65 years.
•    Clover Smith pleaded Guilty as charged to one count of Perjury, a Class D felony, in August of 2008, and received a 3 year suspended sentence.
•    Terry Waddell pleaded Guilty as charged to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Class A felony, in September of 2008, and was sentenced to 30 years.
•    Jason Reeves was convicted of Murder following a June 2009 jury trial, and was sentenced to 65 years.

Please be advised that the charges filed against the defendant are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.