Oakland County Sheriff’s officials stated in a release on Friday, October 26, that two teens had been arraigned on felony murder and home invasion charges for an incident that left a 27-year-old Pontiac man dead. Donald Lee James, a 16-year-old Lake Orion High School student and 17-year-old Jonathan Hickerson of Pontiac were charged in the slaying of Adrian Contreras.
Apparently, Hickerson was injured in the incident as news reports state that he was being treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound he sustained during the altercation.
Contreras’ home, located in the 800 block of Inglewood Ave. near Cesar Chavez is where the alleged home invasion and killing took place on Monday, October 22 at approximately 3:30 a.m. Contreras died of a gunshot wound to the head according to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office, although he also suffered two gunshots to the chest.
The two teens allegedly forced their way into the home, then fired numerous shots; one of the victim’s two brothers who were inside the home returned fire at the intruders. Contreras’ wife and 6-month-old baby were inside the residence, but escaped and hid at a neighbor’s residence nearby.
In all, five people were inside the home when the home invasion occurred; no other injuries were reported. Reports claim that four pit bulls which were inside the Contreras’ home were removed by Oakland County Animal Control officers.
Some media outlets have suggested that Contreras was a target rather than an innocent victim in a home invasion, although the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office release indicates a home invasion. No further details of the incident or motive were revealed in news reports.
Michigan homicide defense attorneys understand the seriousness of charges such as felony murder and home invasion, and the consequences individuals face if convicted.
If you have been arrested for felony murder, your future is in serious jeopardy. Consult with a capable Michigan murder defense lawyer with a positive track record for obtaining the best possible results for clients charged with violent crimes.