VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — 3 months ago, Vincennes resident James Mischler was shot and killed in his home.
His family says, it’s now looking for justice, as well as the truth behind the murder.
Police say on July 24, James Mischler was shot and killed by his friend, Calvin Wittmer. According to Wittmer’s brother, the suspect and his alleged victim were as close as family, with Mischler stepping in after Wittmer’s father passed away.
James had been there for the kid since his own father passed away many, many years ago. James would take him to the circus on weekends. Take him to the fair. He would have him over for Christmas. When I was cleaning out his things, he had a stocking with Calvin’s name on it.
Jesse Mischler – Victim’s Brother
It’s a horrific incident, that Mischler’s family and loved ones are still trying to understand.
This week, they invited us into Mischler’s home to show the damage left behind after the killing.
Things like that are pretty tough. To know it was someone that James loved so much and wanted a better life for. That he would go out of his way to try and help him and in the end, that’s what got him killed.
Jesse Mischler – Victim’s Brother
Court documents state, a witness watched the two argue for some time, before James put his hands on Calvin’s shoulders. James’s brother Jesse says, according to what the witness told him, James was trying to motivate Wittmer to get his life together and then, according to investigators, Wittmer ambushed him.
I have nightmares about it. I replay it in my head before I go to bed at night. I look at this autopsy and it makes me sick. What kind of person could do that to another person.
Jesse Mischler – Victim’s Brother
James’s brother is angry that some have argued in public that Wittmer acted in self-defense. He notes that Wittmer is accused of another shooting crime in the same time frame.
Police say that two days before Mischler was killed, multiple rounds were fired into a car with three adults, a child, and an infant.
They don’t even know the story. They’re listening to a sociopath who shot someone in the head, shot into a car filled with kids just a day or two before.
Jesse Mischler – Victim’s Brother
According to the autopsy, James had 14 gunshot wounds. The cause of death was attributed to three wounds to the back and chest.
These weeks have been stressful and painful for Mischler’s family.
My family and I have been waiting and waiting for justice. Continuance has already came. While Calvin sits in jail, messaging girls, and telling them that he wishes he was out making bread so he could take care of them. Showing no remorse. My brother is in the ground with 14 holes in his body.
Jesse Mischler – Victim’s Brother
We reached out to Wittmer’s defense attorney, and he declined to comment.
