On March 16, a Lansing man was shot near a Lansing mall before taking himself to a Delta Township Meijer parking lot. The victim, whose name has not been released, suffered a gunshot wound. Now, a 22-year-old Grand Rapids man has been charged in the shooting.
Jerry Blackwell was charged with felony firearm and assault with intent to murder; he was arraigned in Eaton County District Court on March 27. His victim, who is 23 years old, was taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing after Eaton County sheriff’s deputies found the injured man at the Meijer store located at 5125 W. Saginaw Highway. On March 28, 12 days after the shooting, the victim remained in the hospital; authorities say his condition is continuing to improve.
Blackwell was on probation when he allegedly shot the victim. According to a news report a Mlive.com, he was convicted for carrying a concealed weapon in 2010 in Ingham County. Additionally, Blackwell was convicted on drug charges in Berrien County and served about six months in jail until his release in early 2010.
The investigation into the shooting of the victim at the Lansing mall continues. Blackwell is scheduled for a pretrial conference on April 2, and a preliminary examination on April 5. He remains at the Eaton County Jail where he is being held without bond.
Michigan assault with intent to commit murder attorneys know that individuals who are charged with this criminal offense face serious consequences if convicted. In fact, under Michigan’s Penal Code 750.83 an individual may be sentenced to any number of years to life in state prison.
Because someone is charged with a serious crime does not mean he or she is guilty; in fact, any person charged with attempted murder or any violent criminal offense is innocent until proven guilty. If you or someone you love has been arrested for a serious crime, do not hesitate before contacting a skilled and aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer.