TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The charges against the man accused of shooting a Terre Haute doctor, on January 8, have been formally filed, according to the Prosecuting Attorney of Vigo County, Terry Modesitt.
WTWO/WAWV previously reported, suspect Andre Obua allegedly followed Dr. Manish Gera from his workplace to Gera’s home in the Richland Manor neighborhood, according to a probable cause affidavit. Court documents said he then allegedly fired multiple shots at Gera, at one point hitting Gera in the forearm. However, Gera was able to fight off Obua until law enforcement got there and detained him.
According to a press release from Modesitt, Obua has formally been charged with attempted murder, burglary resulting in serious bodily injury, burglary with a deadly weapon and strangulation.
Modesitt also said, a use of firearm enhancement has also been filed, which could potentially increase the sentence Obua faces.
This is an ongoing investigation.” said Modesitt. “Evidence such as cell phone data, vehicle forensics, firearms analysis, witness interviews, and document collection are all ongoing as we seek to better understand all aspects of this case. Some of these answers we seek include mental state, planning and preparation, and motive.”
In cases with charges such as this one, Modesitt said, the state typically only has six months to bring a defendant to trial, unless the defendant’s actions extend that period. However, Modesitt expects this case to take at least a year to fully resolve.
On Tuesday morning, January 14, Obua, made his first appearance in court, since the alleged attempted murder, for his formal arrangement.
“This morning was his formal arraignment in which an attorney appeared for the defendant and waived that, so the court set dates,” Modesitt said after the hearing. “We filed a motion to increase his bond today.”
The bond for Obua is initially set at $750,000, with no percent allowed. The hearing to increase Obua’s bond is scheduled for January 23, 2025.
