Published: June 20, 2008 02:49 pm      

Suspected gunman arrested in shooting of teller

INDIANAPOLIS — Police arrested a man early Friday for allegedly shooting a pregnant bank teller during a robbery, causing her to lose her twins.

Detectives charged Brian Kendrick, 29, with attempted murder, two counts of killing a fetus and robbery.

Katherin Shuffield, 30, was five months pregnant when she was shot in the abdomen April 22 after the gunman jumped over her bank station at a branch of Huntington Bank on the city’s east side. She lost the fetuses two days later.

Police also arrested Aaron Stewart, 28, on conspiracy to commit robbery charges for allegedly helping Kendrick.

Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said both men were jailed under a 72-hour hold and he expected his office to file formal charges against them on Monday. Police said more information about the charges would be available Monday when they file a probable cause affidavit.

Detective Rob Challis said he did not know why Kendrick would have shot Shuffield.

Authorities said Friday they did not know whether Kendrick or Stewart had attorneys.

Current Indiana law allows prosecutors to charge people with murder in cases where a fetus dies, but only if the mother is at least seven months pregnant.

Kendrick would face a possible prison sentence of 20 years to 50 years if convicted of attempted murder. The killing a fetus — or feticide — charges each carry possible sentences of two years to eight years.

Authorities said they are not yet sure whether Kendrick or Stewart will face federal charges, which are possible in bank robberies.

Police said detectives got new tips on the case last week and brought Stewart in for questioning, during which he implicated Kendrick. Police said that Kendrick did not make a statement about the robbery and shooting.

Deputy Police Chief William Benjamin said more than 400 officers worked the case.

“We did not leave a tip unturned,” he said.

No other people are being actively sought in the case, although a search continues for the gun used in the shooting, police said.