HORROR IN MISHAWAKA: Pregnant Domestic Violence Victim Brutalized—Edward Will Booker III Charged with Six Criminal Counts
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, IND. — The quiet of East 8th Street in Mishawaka was shattered on Thursday, May 22, when what police are calling a prolonged and violent domestic assault erupted into a manhunt and arrest that has shocked even seasoned law enforcement officials. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has now filed formal charges against 35-year-old Edward Will Booker III following a brutal and harrowing series of events that began with a domestic violence call and ended in a tense armed standoff and capture.
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Alisha Renee Morgan, is currently recovering from injuries inflicted during what officials described as a sustained and horrific attack that took place in the early morning hours of Thursday. Morgan, who is eight months pregnant and shares one child with Booker, was discovered by police with both eyes swollen shut, her body marked with signs of severe physical trauma, including injuries consistent with strangulation and bruises on her abdomen.
A Violent Encounter
Officers with the Mishawaka Police Department were dispatched to the 220 block of East 8th Street at 10:56 a.m. after reports surfaced that Booker had been assaulting Morgan since the night before. According to witness statements and Morgan herself, she had been locked inside a room for hours and was not allowed to leave.
When police arrived, Booker refused to open the door, choosing instead to shout through it. The residence belonged to Booker’s mother, who gave officers permission to enter. As police moved in, Booker slipped out the back window and fled on foot, setting off a pursuit that would last most of the day.
Officers canvassed the area and, near Summit and 9th Streets, located a cellphone with a lock screen showing a picture of Booker and a child. This discovery confirmed Booker’s identity and presence in the area.
A Grisly Pattern of Abuse
Police say that by the time they reached Morgan, the evidence of violence was unmistakable. Her face was severely swollen, and she had blood and bruising throughout her body, including her abdomen—an especially troubling injury given her pregnancy. Morgan reportedly declined medical treatment at the scene, telling officers that she had no memory of the last 24 hours. Her responses to a Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement (DA-LE) placed her at high risk for further harm, yet she refused a referral to the local YWCA for shelter and services.
According to other residents in the household, this was not the first time Booker had assaulted Morgan. In fact, several disturbing videos allegedly sent by Booker to others during the attack showed Morgan bloodied in the bathroom, with Booker reportedly stating in at least one video that he would “beat her *** again.”
A Second Escape and Final Capture
At approximately 4:06 p.m., hours after the initial call, a South Bend officer on routine patrol at the Beacon Heights apartment complex spotted a brown Chevrolet Express van with no license plate. Booker exited the van, and the officer recognized him immediately. Morgan, visibly injured, was in the vehicle Booker had exited.
Booker initially claimed Morgan was his sister and attempted to use the false name “David Daniels” before walking away. When the officer ordered him to stop, Booker shouted, “You’re tripping,” kicked off his sandals, and fled barefoot through a residential neighborhood.
The chase ended on Putnam Place, where a resident reported that Booker had entered her home uninvited. The woman, who had been upstairs with her children, was startled to see Booker appear in her hallway. She stated that he told her he was running from police and needed a place to hide. She and her children fled the home and alerted officers, who then entered the residence and took Booker into custody at gunpoint after a brief struggle. Officers reported that Booker actively resisted arrest by locking his arms.
Charges Filed, History Revealed
Booker was booked into the St. Joseph County Jail and now faces six charges:
- Domestic Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury – Level 6 Felony
- Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman – Level 5 Felony
- Domestic Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman – Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
- Resisting Law Enforcement (second count) – Class A Misdemeanor
- Residential Entry – Level 6 Felony
Booker’s criminal history includes convictions for:
- Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)
- Domestic Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury (Level 6 Felony)
- Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury (Class D Felony)
- Escape (Class C Felony)
If convicted, Booker could face a maximum of 12 years in prison and thousands in fines. A Level 5 felony alone carries a potential sentence of 1 to 6 years, while a Level 6 felony can carry up to 2.5 years. Each Class A misdemeanor could add another year in jail.
A Call for Change
As Morgan continues to recover from her injuries, community members are expressing outrage—not only at the attack, but at the system’s failure to prevent it. Neighbors and advocates for victims’ rights say more must be done to protect pregnant women and survivors of ongoing domestic abuse.
“Alisha should have never been put in a position where she had to face this monster again,” said local advocate Janelle Greene of Michiana Women United. “The system needs to prioritize survivors before it’s too late.”
Social media has been flooded with support for Morgan, with many calling for stronger enforcement of protective orders, better access to emergency housing, and increased legal consequences for repeat offenders like Booker.
What Comes Next
Booker is expected to appear in court for an initial hearing early next week. Meanwhile, Morgan is under close medical observation and staying in an undisclosed location with support from family and advocates.
The case is a chilling reminder of how quickly domestic violence can escalate—and why it’s critical for communities and law enforcement to take threats seriously.
If you or someone you know is in danger from domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org for 24/7 support.
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