Yoga Instructor Kaylon Rashaad Woods Killed in Targeted Shooting, Woman Wounded; Ex-Police Officer Suspect Dies by Apparent Self-Inflicted Gunshot After Incident
A devastating and deeply personal tragedy has shaken the South Bend and Elkhart communities, leaving residents grieving the loss of a respected yoga instructor, a woman critically injured, and the suspected gunman later found dead in an apparent suicide following a house fire.
Authorities identified the suspect as Adonis Latroy Joseph, 41, of Elkhart, a former South Bend Police Department officer. Investigators say he carried out a targeted attack before fleeing the scene and later dying inside his residence from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, after a fire broke out at the home.
Police reported that the violence occurred Monday afternoon at the Highlands Apartments on Links Drive in South Bend. Officers responded around 1:50 p.m. and discovered 38-year-old Kaylon Rashaad Woods, a well-known yoga instructor at DRIP Infrared Sauna Studio, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Nearby, officers found 30-year-old Madi Morin, who had also been shot. She was transported to a hospital with serious injuries and is continuing to recover.
Authorities believe the attack was targeted and stemmed from a personal dispute involving individuals connected through a complex relationship. Investigators say Joseph was Morin’s former partner and the father of her two daughters, while Morin had been in a relationship with Woods at the time of the shooting.
Following the shooting, law enforcement located Joseph at a residence in the Golden Pond Trail area of Elkhart County. A large-scale police response, including SWAT teams, moved in as officers attempted to secure the scene.
During the standoff, a fire broke out at the home, prompting an emergency response from both police and fire crews. After the fire was extinguished, authorities found Joseph deceased inside with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe the fire occurred in connection with the incident.
Officials confirmed that Joseph joined the South Bend Police Department in 2011 and served until 2018, when he resigned following an internal affairs investigation into misconduct allegations.
As the investigation continues, tributes are pouring in for Kaylon Rashaad Woods, who was widely respected in the South Bend wellness community. Woods taught yoga at DRIP Infrared Sauna Studio, where colleagues and students describe him as a calming, uplifting presence who brought peace, energy, and encouragement into every class.
Jayme Barcus, owner of DRIP, shared a statement honoring his impact: “We are heartbroken by the loss of someone who meant so much to our community. He was not only a talented yoga instructor at DRIP this past winter, but a steady, positive presence who brought people together. Our hearts are with his kids, his family and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Friends and students remember Woods as a mentor, father, and someone who consistently showed compassion and support for others.
A GoFundMe has been created to support Madi Morin and her two daughters as they face recovery and the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit continues to investigate and is asking anyone with relevant information to come forward.
As both communities try to process the violence and loss, attention remains focused on supporting those affected, remembering Kaylon Woods, and acknowledging the lasting emotional impact of a tragedy that has deeply shaken the region.