Violent Crime

July 3, 2013

20-year-old Lansing Man Charged with Open Murder in Death of 35-year-old Anthony Kye

20-year-old Kosgar Lado was arrested on Thursday, June 27 for the murder of 35-year-old Anthony Kye who died of gunshot wounds he suffered near a residence in the 600 block of North Pine Street according to an article at Mlive.com. Lado was formally charged on Thursday, and arraigned on Friday on charges of open murder, possession of a weapon with unlawful intent, assault with intent to commit murder, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The shooting incident took place on Wednesday, June 26, just blocks from Lansing’s state government complex in the downtown area. After receiving information that a shooting had occurred, Lansing police officers arrived near a residence in the 600 block of North Pine Street to find the victim had suffered gunshot wounds; he was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police determined that the shooting was not a random crime. Lansing Police Captain Jim Kraus stated that he believed the suspect and the victim may have known each other. Police released very few details regarding the incident, so a motive for the shooting remains a mystery at this time.

Open murder in Michigan allows the jury or judge to determine whether an individual will be tried for first- or second-degree murder, depending on the unique circumstances surrounding the case. As Michigan murder attorneys know, a conviction for either offense will leave the individual facing serious criminal penalties. First-degree murder may leave the convicted person facing life in prison; while second-degree murder may also be punishable by life in prison, the convicted individual may be sentenced to any number of years.

July 2, 2013

28-year-old Ypsilanti Man to Head to Trial Following Accusations He Shot at Cars on U.S. 23

by Scott Grabel

In February of this year, 28-year-old Elmore Ray was arraigned on several charges after being accused of firing a sawed-off shotgun at cars on U.S. 23. According to a news article at Annarbor.com, Ray wore an expression of disbelief as the charges were read, saying that “I didn’t assault anybody, I was just . . . ” before being cut off by Magistrate Elisha Fink, who informed Ray he didn’t have to say anything.

Ray was charged with four counts of assault with intent to murder, four counts of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a short-barreled shotgun, and carrying a weapon with unlawful intent.

Last week, Ray’s case was bound over to the Washtenaw County Trial Court after it was determined by a district court judge that there was sufficient reason to believe that Ray committed a crime. Witnesses said that Ray is the individual they saw shooting at several vehicles on February 27 near Michigan Avenue south of Ann Arbor on U.S. 23. While there were no injuries reported and no vehicles were hit during the gunfire, Ray was arrested at gunpoint by Pittsfield Township police as he was walking from the area. Police Deputy Chief Gordy Schick said that witnesses also reported that Ray was dressed all in black and wearing a black trench coat.

The defendant’s competency was questioned by his court-appointed defense lawyer, however he was found competent to stand trial on June 18.

Ray’s pretrial court date has been scheduled for August 1st; he is currently incarcerated at the Washtenaw County Jail.

Michigan assault with intent to commit murder attorneys understand the consequences individuals face if convicted of this serious criminal offense. In fact, someone who is found guilty of assault with intent to commit murder may face any number of years in state prison, up to life.

June 24, 2013

Suspect Arrested in Fatal March Shooting at Myst Ultra Lounge in Southfield

by Scott Grabel

On March 31 of this year, 33-year-old Nicole Riggs of Oak Park was fatally shot when an altercation took place at the Myst Ultra Lounge. A news article at Myfoxdetroit.com indicates that some men who were at the club were thrown out by the bouncer after becoming involved in an argument.

It is believed that Riggs was an innocent bystander who was randomly struck when shots rang out from the parking lot. At the time of the shooting, police were looking for a man they described as a “person of interest.” Police released a photo of the suspect, determined later to be DeAngelo Jammal Eady who is also 33 years old. A warrant for his arrest was issued on May 29; Eady was arrested last week.

The Myst Ultra Lounge has been described as a “Hollywood experience” by some with its Miami-themed outdoor patio, numerous flat screen televisions and plush VIP booths. Riggs was a wife and mother of one teenage son; the incident reportedly took place at about 2 a.m. She was said to be attending a birthday party at the club with a group of relatives.

The suspect has now been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, and open murder.

Michigan homicide attorneys understand the severe consequences individuals face when charged with murder, whether open murder, second-degree, involuntary manslaughter, or any criminal offense related to the death of another person. A conviction in the case of open murder could potentially leave the accused facing life in prison.

June 18, 2013

Grand Rapids Man to be Charged with Open Murder in Case of Missing Mother of 5

by Scott Grabel

While her body has not been recovered, Judge Kimberly Schaefer has determined that Jahleel Hoskins will stand trial on charges of open murder in the case of Latrice Maze, a mother of 5 who has been missing since March 19. Hoskins was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute with Maze on the last day she was known to be alive.

Hoskins uncle, Greg Shanklin, was expected to testify via Internet video from his home due to the fact that he recently suffered double pneumonia and is a paraplegic; however, Hoskins’ attorney Brett Stevenson wanted the defendant’s uncle at the probable cause hearing in person. Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Kelley Koncki dropped her request for an Internet connection and sent an ambulance to get Shanklin for the court proceeding.

Stevenson said in court that it was not the defense’s intention to put Mr. Shanklin through more, but that Hoskins has a right to confront his accuser in open court. Hoskins worked for New York Chicken, but according to news reports at Mlive.com was also a paid care provider for his uncle, who claimed that Hoskins did not show up on the day that he and Maze were involved in the domestic dispute. Shanklin’s son and several of Hoskins’ friends testified in May that the defendant confessed to choking the mother of 5 and putting her body in a trash dumpster.

One friend, Destin Peak, testified that Hoskins called him on March 19 saying that he “did” her and needed a favor. Peak and Hoskins met at a convenience store located at 3195 Eastern Avenue SE, where Peak said that the defendant showed no emotion and spoke in a matter-of-fact manner.

While the victim’s body has not been located, it is believed by authorities that her body was incinerated.

Michigan murder defense lawyers know that the penalties for first-degree or open murder are extremely serious; in fact, a conviction could mean life in prison. While there seems to be no hard evidence in this case considering the lack of a body, Hoskins will face severe consequences if convicted.

June 4, 2013

Sebewaing Man Arrested for Shotgun Robbery of Pittsfield Township BP Station

by Scott Grabel

On Monday June 3, Pittsfield Township police arrested a Sebewaing man who is 25 years old and believed to be involved in a robbery that occurred at the BP station located at 4975 Washtenaw Avenue.

Police suspect that the man may also be involved in another BP station robbery that took place on the previous Saturday afternoon; this station is located at 3720 Washtenaw Avenue. In both cases, the suspect brandished what was described as a “long” gun or shotgun.

In the Saturday incident, Lt. Renee Bush of the Ann Arbor police said that the suspect demanded money from the clerk after entering the station and brandishing a long gun. He then allegedly fled on foot, getting into a white colored older model car behind the business, according to witnesses who were pumping gas.

On Monday, the 25-year-old suspect entered the BP station holding a shotgun and wearing a mask. While it was not revealed in a news article at Annarbor.com whether the suspect got away with money, he fled in a vehicle just as officers were arriving on scene. After investigators were notified that the man pulled into a location off of Golfside Road, a search was underway which included the K-9 unit shared by the Pittsfield Township and Ypsilanti police departments. The suspect was taken into custody after being located by an officer.

While it isn’t known for certain if the suspect committed both BP robberies, news reports indicate that in both cases the suspect was wearing a ski mask and brandishing a gun. The suspect in the Saturday robbery is described as a white male who is described to have a skinny build and height of between 5’8″ and 6′ tall.

Armed robbery is an extremely serious offense in Michigan. As all Michigan armed robbery lawyers know, an individual who is convicted of stealing money from an establishment while in possession of a weapon, or who even insinuates the presence of a weapon may face life in prison.

May 30, 2013

Suspect in Stabbing of 64-year-old BP Customer Caught on Surveillance Footage

by Scott Grabel

Maurice Abraham, a 27-year-old Detroit resident, may face trial after he was caught on surveillance footage at a BP gas station in the 20200 block of the southbound Lodge Freeway stabbing a 64-year-old man repeatedly after entering the store. Abraham’s case has been bound over to the Wayne County Circuit Court. He was charged by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

Abraham had also been charged with resisting and obstructing arrest, however those two counts were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The incident took place on May 11 at about 5 a.m. as Abraham allegedly approached the 64-year-old man as he was leaving the BP station, demanding his money.

The older man was chased by Abraham after fleeing back inside the station, then repeatedly stabbed as other patrons and employees witnessed the incident. He survived his injuries, although the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

Abraham reportedly lives in the area according to a news article at Mlive.com. Detroit Police Lt. David LeValley said that the video tape was broadcast on several newscasts, and that because of the broadcasts a tip was received providing the name of the suspect. Abraham remained in jail on Wednesday May 29 pending payment of a $100,000 bond.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that both armed robbery and assault with intent to murder are extremely serious charges, leaving individuals who are convicted facing harsh punishment. Armed robbery may be punishable by up to 15 years in prison depending on the circumstances; assault with intent to murder may leave the accused facing any number of years up to life in prison.

May 28, 2013

72-year-old Royal Oak Township Woman Charged with Attempted Murder of Daughter

by Scott Grabel

On Friday May 24, 72-year-old Mozella McIntyre was arrested and charged with attempted murder after she and her adopted daughter became involved in an argument over a bottle of water; McIntyre fired a gun at the 20-year-old woman, who was uninjured. She was arraigned before Oak Park 45B District Judge David Gubow and released with a GPS electronic tether on personal bond.

According to a news article at the Oakland Press, McIntyre also faces a felony firearm charge.

On Tuesday evening Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene, located in the 21000 block of Reimanville. Sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Allan said that McIntyre refused her adopted daughter’s request for a bottle of water, and an argument ensued. At that point, McIntyre retrieved a .38-caliber handgun and proceeded to point it at her daughter. The gun misfired when she pulled the trigger on the first attempt because the chamber was empty. Upon firing the gun a second time, a wall was struck near where the daughter was standing.

The news article states that McIntyre has no prior criminal history, and that the gun was legally registered to her. Police confiscated the gun after recovering the bullet; the suspect’s gun was a 38 Special Smith & Wesson.

McIntyre is scheduled for a June 4 pre-exam hearing in Oak Park District Court; a preliminary exam is scheduled for June 6.

Michigan murder defense attorneys know that if convicted, McIntyre could face up to life in prison. Even if she is sentenced to any number of years, it is possible that she could spend a substantial portion or all of her life behind bars, considering her age.

May 24, 2013

Ypsilanti Man to Be Arraigned on Federal Drug and Gun Charges

by Scott Grabel

Charles Curtis Hobbs, a 35-year-old Ypsilanti resident, was arrested on May 12 by Ypsilanti police after officers received a call involving a domestic dispute in which the suspect allegedly pointed a gun at his girlfriend.

When police arrived at the scene, Hobbs told officers that he was moving out of the residence, and denied that a firearm was involved in the dispute. Hobbs’ 31-year-old girlfriend initially called 911, then called back shortly thereafter and requested that police not respond. However, police continued on to the residence where the woman and Hobbs had reportedly lived together for 1 1/2 years. The two also have a child together according to a news article at Annarbor.com.

Upon their arrival, police found Hobbs loading property into an SUV; police detained him and questioned him about the allegation that he had pointed a gun at his girlfriend. Hobbs denied the accusation and told police that he was moving out of the residence. After smelling what they believed to be marijuana smoke coming from the vehicle, police searched it with Hobbs permission.

Police located drug paraphernalia, 85 grams of marijuana and a loaded 9mm Glock in the vehicle, along with nine rounds of ammunition. Hobbs was initially charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. It was determined after checking his criminal history that Hobbs would be charged at the federal level. He was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 21 by agents from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive).

Hobbs remains in custody until his next court date, which was not revealed in the news article.

Michigan federal criminal defense attorneys know that in cases where it appears an individual is involved in drug trafficking the criminal penalties are extremely serious. Federal charges typically end in punishment more harsh for those convicted than they would experience at the state level.

May 16, 2013

Delton Man Charged with Open Murder in September 2011 Death of Roommate

by Scott Grabel

Harold Ordway of Delton was recently charged with open murder in the September 2011 shooting death of Paul Frederic Atchley, one of Delton’s past roommates. Ordway had long been suspected in the deaths of Atchley and 33-year-old Michael VanBuskirk, although prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence to charge Ordway in the deaths.

According to a news article at Mlive.com, new developments which the Prosecutor’s Office could not discuss led to the charge of open murder being filed against Ordway, who has been held on federal weapons charges after pleading guilty to the weapons offense in November of last year.

It all began when Ordway was involved in a crash in Plainwell on M-89 in which Allegan County sheriff’s deputies located items in the back of Ordway’s pickup truck including a gun, ammunition, and a mattress that allegedly had Atchley’s blood on it.

Initially, Atchley was missing, and VanBuskirk had been found dead in Kalamazoo County. Ordway was suspected in both the disappearance and death, and was said to have stopped taking bi-polar medication. Witnesses told police that Atchley was killed because Ordway had told him about the earlier killing of VanBuskirk. Ordway’s attorney claimed that VanBuskirk suffered from alcoholism and was known to suffer from depression, and that evidence suggested suicide was the cause of death.

Ordway was reportedly preparing to move into his parents’ Delton home, and had been renovating a Battle Creek house. Atchley moved into the home while Ordway was still living there, and VanBuskirk, who was said to be homeless, was helping with the renovation.

Ordway was arraigned in Atchley’s shooting death on Tuesday, May 14. He is scheduled for sentencing in the federal weapons violations charge on June 24. Prosecutors are asking that Ordway receive the maximum sentence of 10 years because of his involvement in the deaths. Federal sentencing guidelines call for a minimum of 27 months in prison.

While Ordway has only just been charged with open murder, Michigan homicide defense lawyers know that if convicted, he will likely spend a great number of years or perhaps even life behind bars.

May 15, 2013

Pittsfield Township Man Set to Face Trial for Stabbing Death of Wife

by Scott Grabel

Earlier this year we reported about a Pittsfield Township man who was accused of stabbing his wife to death in the couple’s home. Now, 44-year-old Jean-Pierre Trias is scheduled to face trial on a single charge of open murder in July, according to court records. Trias allegedly stabbed 53-year-old Katherine Porter in January; she was found in a bathroom at the couple’s Hickory Pointe Boulevard home with bruises and multiple stab wounds according to a news article at AnnArbor.com.

The couple had been married since 1995, and had reconciled after Trias filed for divorce in November of 2010. According to news articles there had been no known incidents in the couple’s relationship which indicated domestic violence. Trias worked in the mathematics department at EMU from September of 2003 until December 2012, and as a graduate assistant as well.

It was revealed at his preliminary exam that Trias phoned his brother early in the day following the alleged stabbing, claiming that he blacked out the previous evening. Trias told his brother that upon awakening, he had facial injuries and wasn’t sure if he hurt anyone. Porter’s body was found by Pittsfield Township police officers who had gone to the residence to check on Trias.

Trias attended a pretrial hearing last week which is when the dates were set for his final pretrial hearing and trial, scheduled for June 18 and July 15 respectively. The defendant currently remains held without bond in the Washtenaw County Jail. He could face a maximum of life in prison if convicted of his wife’s murder.

Michigan murder attorneys know that individuals who are accused of homicide, manslaughter, or first- or second-degree murder must have aggressive, capable legal representation in order to obtain a positive outcome. The criminal penalties for these types of violent crimes in the state of Michigan are harsh, and could leave you facing life behind bars.