Violent Crime

April 10, 2013

Blair Township Man Fires at Police Officers, Charged with Assault with Intent to Commit Murder

On April 7, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in Blair Township following a report of a gun being fired inside the home. On Tuesday April 9, 50-year-old Richard Lee Radcliffe was arrested and is now facing four felony charges.

When deputies arrived at the residence, a father and stepson were at the home; initially, it was not clear who opened fire on police. The weapon was described as a semi-automatic rifle in news reports at Mlive.com.

Upon their approach at the home, deputies were fired upon. None of the officers were struck, and a deputy did return fire. It was determined that Radcliffe had fired on officers; he was arrested although he was treated at an area hospital before being taken to jail, as he suffered a broken leg in the course of his arrest.

Radcliffe has been charged with two firearms-related offenses, felonious assault, and assault with intent to commit murder. On Tuesday night he remained in jail on a $750,000 bond.

At the time of news reports, it was unclear why gunshots were being fired when deputies were called to the scene. At the request of the sheriff’s office, Michigan state police are investigating the incident.

In Michigan, assault with intent to commit murder is a serious crimes that leaves those convicted facing harsh criminal penalties. As capable Michigan assault with intent to commit murder lawyers, we know that a conviction could mean many years to life in prison. We also understand that in some situations, accusations against an individual are amplified – especially when law enforcement is involved, or the intended target.

April 4, 2013

Two Suspects in Ypsilanti Death of River Rouge Man Taken Into Custody

by Scott Grabel

A 46-year-old River Rouge man was killed in Ypsilanti on Easter in what appears to be a dispute over a lease between his daughter and her roommates. The victim, John Lawrence, was attempting to intervene on behalf of his daughter, according to a news article at Heritage Newspapers.

Lawrence was killed with a blunt object at the Peninsular Place apartment complex where his 19-year-old daughter lived, according to Ypsilanti police. At approximately 9:40 on Sunday evening, police were called to investigate reports of a disorderly incident. Following the initial investigation, police determined a woman and man who lived with Lawrence’s daughter were involved in the dispute which allegedly resulted in his death.

Raven Lawrence, daughter of the victim, was involved in a dispute with the two suspects over a lease; her father was there to take her out of the apartment for the night. Lawrence told police that she and her female roommate who is 20 years old were involved in conversation about the lease, which escalated into a heated argument. She also stated that her roommate’s boyfriend who was apparently living with the two women was not supposed to be there.

Lawrence called her parents when she began to feel threatened, according to a news article at AnnArbor.com. Upon her father’s arrival, he instructed her to take a gun he was carrying out to his vehicle. He remained in the apartment with the two suspects; when Raven Lawrence went back to the apartment, she found the door locked. She said that she banged on the door and screamed; neighbors confirm hearing the commotion.

Police have not yet determined what the object was that was used to strike Lawrence in the head, but suspect it may have been a frying pan. The two suspects were placed in the Washtenaw County Jail following their arrest. Blunt force trauma was determined to be the cause of death; the case was initially ruled as a homicide while awaiting autopsy results. An investigation continues in the homicide.

If the two suspects are tried for homicide, they will face very serious consequences if convicted. Michigan homicide attorneys understand the seriousness of a criminal offense involving the death of another person. Whether an individual faces criminal charges involving homicide, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, or first- or second-degree murder, the penalties include any number of years to life in prison.

April 3, 2013

Two Suspects in Holland-area Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Apprehended by Police

by Scott Grabel

On Easter Sunday, 24-year-old Joshua Owens was struck by two vehicles as he was crossing Ottawa Beach Road to use an ATM machine. Witnesses said that the two vehicles briefly stopped, and then fled the scene. Now, two people have been arrested in the incident which took place in front of the Itty Bitty Bar.

Maly Phongsavanh, 22, and Jeremie Collins, 26, were arrested on felony murder counts later in the day on Easter, after a tip from citizens regarding the whereabouts of the two suspects’ cars was received by police. The two were said to be speeding when the accident occurred. Both suspects were charged with leaving the scene of a serious injury/death accident. Collins’ bond was set at $5,000; he has 7 prior convictions including a 2009 OWI, according to news reports at Fox 17. Phongsavanh’s bond was set at $3,000.

The victim had been celebrating his wife’s birthday at the Itty Bitty Bar in Park Township when he crossed to go to the ATM to get money for a cab. On Monday evening, Maly Phongsavanh bonded out of the Ottawa County Jail, offering an apology to the victim’s family. Phongsavanh told Fox 17, “I just want to say I’m really sorry to Owens’ family. I would love to say I’m sorry in person if I could. It was an accident and I wish I could have seen him around that curve.” Phongsavanh was driving a BMW when the fatal hit-and-run occurred; there was a passenger in the vehicle with her, 25-year-old Debbie Vongphachanh, who was also taken into custody.

Family members of the victim told local media that the vehicles appeared to be racing at the time of the accident, although police did not confirm this information. As of Monday, there had been no indication that any charges related to alcohol would be brought into the case.

Both Collins and Phongsavanh are expected back in court at 9 a.m. April 3 for a preliminary exam. If convicted, each could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers understand how devastating the situation is for the victim’s family, losing a husband and father at such a young age. However, it is also very sad that the two accused of committing the fatal hit-and-run are young, and their lives will be forever affected.

April 1, 2013

Grand Rapids Man Charged in Shooting of Victim Shot Near Lansing Mall

by Scott Grabel

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.

March 19, 2013

Four Suspects in Cadillac-area Home Invasion Identified; One Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder

by Scott Grabel

On Saturday, March 16 two men and two women allegedly attempted to rob a 55-year-old man in his Cedar Creek Township home in Wexford County. During the attempted robbery, three people assaulted the man, one with a gun. He was shot in the leg by one of the suspects, who now faces a charge of attempted murder among other charges.

The victim’s name has not been released in news reports, however he was able to escape and reportedly ran to a neighbor’s home. The man apparently struggled with the suspect who had the pistol; he was taken by emergency crews who were summoned to the scene to Munson Medical Center, where he was admitted. The victim, who said he was “familiar” with his assailants, gave police information which led to their arrest.

The four individuals arrested include Robert Smith, Derek White, and Sara and Kari Ostrander. Smith has been charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to rob while armed, felonious use of a firearm, armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. The other three suspects are charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree home invasion, and accessory after the fact. A news report at Mlive.com states that all of the suspects live in the Manton area. No motive was given regarding why the victim was allegedly attacked.

Michigan attempted murder attorneys understand that this offense, also referred to as assault with intent to murder, carries severe penalties for those convicted. Michigan Penal Code 750.83 states that individuals convicted of this felony criminal offense may spend any number of years to life in prison. Armed robbery charges are very serious as well; penalties for this offense can leave someone who is convicted facing life in prison as well, depending on the circumstances.

March 19, 2013

West Bloomfield Township Grandma’s Fate in Jurors’ Hands Following Charge of Open Murder in Death of Grandson

by Scott Grabel

In May of 2012, 17-year-old Jonathan Hoffman was allegedly shot several times and killed by his grandmother, 75-year-old Sandra Layne. After being charged with open murder, Layne is now awaiting her fate as jurors deliberate.

Layne allegedly shot Hoffman, putting six bullets in her grandson as the two argued. According to Layne, her grandson used drugs and was prone to violent outbursts. A news article at Detroit News states that on the day of Hoffman’s death, he became violent and agitated after failing a drug test ordered by the court. 911 recordings were playing in court on Monday March 18; on the recordings, Hoffman is heard begging for help and telling a dispatcher that he had been shot by his grandmother. Jurors also heard Hoffman cry out during the call that he had been shot again, and a voice shouting “let go” as they listened to what appeared to be a struggle.

Oakland County chief assistant prosecutor Paul Walton told jurors during closing arguments that Layne was a murderer who “hunted down” her grandson in her condominium and killed him, “because he wouldn’t listen to her.”

Layne’s attorney, Jerome Sabbota, described Layne as a dutiful grandmother who was afraid of her grandson, because of his violent temper and drug use. He alleges that Layne shot her grandson out of self-defense and fear; Layne does not deny shooting her grandson, who lived with her after his parents divorced and were living in Phoenix during his senior year in high school.

On the day in question, Hoffman was allegedly extremely angry as he rode with his grandmother after failing a drug test and testing positive for synthetic marijuana, which could have triggered a violation of his probation. Layne testified that her grandson was demanding the car keys and kicking the dashboard. She also told the court that after she shot her grandson, she ran to hide in the basement, then came out and shot him again as a struggle ensued.

Judge Denise Langford Morris told jurors that Layne may be convicted of first- or second-degree murder, or voluntary/involuntary manslaughter, but that jurors must first consider the charge of first-degree premeditated murder. Ultimately, depending on the decision of jurors Layne could face anywhere from one year in prison to life without parole.

Michigan murder defense attorneys realize that there are instances in which an individual kills someone out of fear or self-defense, as seems to be the case in this situation. When drugs are involved, circumstances can become highly volatile. Regardless of the situation, it is critical that those accused consult with an attorney immediately.

March 12, 2013

Ypsilanti Man Accused of Shooting at Cars on U.S. 23 Ordered to Undergo Competency Evaluation

by Scott Grabel

Elmore Ray, a 28-year-old Ypsilanti man, was arraigned on February 27 after being accused of firing a shotgun at vehicles on U.S. 23 earlier that morning. Ray was charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, four counts of assault with intent to murder, and four counts of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm. The suspect told Magistrate Elisha Fink, “I didn’t assault anybody, I was just . . . ” before she interrupted and advised Ray that he did not have to say anything.

Shortly after midnight on the 27th, Pittsfield Township police responded to reports of a gunman who was aiming at motorists on U.S. 23 just west of Carpenter Road near Michigan Avenue. Deputy Chief Gordy Schick said that witnesses described the man who was shooting at vehicles as being dressed in a black trench coat and black clothes.

According to news reports at AnnArbor.com, there were no injuries to motorists and no vehicles were struck in the gunfire. Witnesses claimed that Ray used a sawed-off shotgun in the shootings. Ray was placed in the Washtenaw County Jail, where he remains on a $20,000 cash bond.

Ray’s attorneys requested that their client be examined in Ypsilanti at the Forensic Center; prosecutors had no objections to the request made by the Washtenaw County public defenders. Judge Richard Conlin ordered Ray to undergo a psychological competency evaluation.

Michigan assault with intent to commit murder attorneys know that if convicted, Ray will face extremely harsh criminal penalties. Even though no one was injured in the incident, the defendant may face any number of years or even life behind bars if found guilty.

March 11, 2013

Detroit Man Charged in Triple Murders

by Scott Grabel

On Thursday February 7, three bodies including two women and one man were found dead inside a Detroit home; Detroit police say the victims died of multiple gunshot wounds. Now, 21-year-old Shadell Love has been charged in the deaths of 20 year-old India Coleman, 20-year-old Curtis Clemens, and 25-year-old Lauren Trotty, all of Detroit.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office, Love has been charged with felony firearm and three counts of first-degree murder. The three bodies were found by a visitor at a home located in the 11000 block of Coyle Street. Love’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 19; he is being held at the Wayne County Jail until that hearing.

A neighbor who lives across the street from the home where the bodies were discovered said that the home had been vacant, and he believed that the victims were squatting there. The neighbor, Limuel Hubbard, said two woman and two children had been staying in the house. A friend of the female victims, Zalika Murray, told news reporters that she had been at the home the evening before playing cards and “smoking weed,” and that the two children who were one and five years old were present when the shooting occurred, but were not harmed.

Limel Hubbard’s granddaughter Syerra Hubbard said that she has faith and knows that nothing will happen to her, that she is used to hearing gunshots in the neighborhood. Other residents of the area said that the police are rarely called because hearing gunshots at night is a regular occurrence. Another neighbor who works at the corner grocery store said that the neighborhood had gone downhill, and that he just tries to mind his own business.

Michigan homicide defense attorneys know that the criminal penalties individuals who are convicted of first-degree murder face are extremely harsh. In fact, a conviction could potentially mean life behind bars. It is critical that individuals arrested or charged with this serious offense consult with an attorney immediately.

March 7, 2013

Lansing Man Dies from Stab Wounds; Police Name Two Juveniles as Suspects

by Scott Grabel

On Wednesday February 20, a man was found stabbed to death in an Oak Park Village apartment on Lansing’s southside. He was identified by Lansing police as 47-year-old Timothy Taylor. Police responded to the scene at approximately 2 a.m. following reports of a fight.

The death was being investigated as a homicide, although police initially had no suspects. Nearly one week later, public information officer Robert Merritt of the Lansing police announced that two persons of interest had been identified. The names of the suspects were not released due to the fact they are juveniles. Officials did say however that the juveniles are not from Lansing, according to a news report at the Lansing State Journal. As of February 26 the two juvenile suspects had not been arrested or charged, and Merritt declined to give a reason. He said only that, “I’m confident that we have the two players involved.”

Stuart Dunnings, Ingham County Prosecutor, stated that there was a personal relationship between his family and some of the individuals involved in the case; due to a conflict of interest, police said that Eaton County Prosecutor Jeff Sauter would handle the case.

Michigan juvenile crime attorneys understand that even individuals who are considered juveniles may face serious criminal penalties if convicted of a felony offense. In some instances, a juvenile charged with a particularly violent or serious crime may result in that individual being sentenced as an adult. Even though in most cases adolescents are tried in juvenile court and not labeled as criminals, prosecutors often attempt have individuals arrested for some crimes tried in adult court, which means harsher penalties.

March 5, 2013

10-year-old Detroit Boy Killed by Hit-and-run Driver as He Takes Out Trash

by Scott Grabel

On Sunday March 3, a 10-year-old Detroit boy was taking the trash to the curb when he was struck by a red 2000 or 2001 Dodge Ram pickup; he died just a short time later as his mother watched him take his last breaths, according to a news report at ClickonDetroit.com. On Monday morning, Detroit police still had made no arrests in relation to the fatal hit-and-run incident that took the boy’s life.

According to Detroit police, Christopher Sandoval was taking the trash bin to the curb at his residence on Bringard Drive at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, after his mother had asked him to take care of the chore. The vehicle in question apparently lost control before striking the boy; at this point, both the trash bin and the victim were wedged under the truck, which had a plow on the front and snow blower in back according to witnesses. The driver got out of the truck and removed the trash bin, but made no effort to help the injured boy, according to news reports.

Lisa Sandoval, the boy’s mother, said that she heard him take his last breaths as she ran to his side. She said that she had long enough to apologize to him because she had asked him to carry out the trash, and told him that she loved him and was sorry. She is pleading for the driver who struck her son to come forward, saying that if it was his child, he would want the responsible person to come forward.

The driver of the truck was described by witnesses as a white man with a mustache, possibly in his 30s or 40s. Police are asking anyone who has any information to call the Homicide Unit at 313-596-2200.

This is a heartbreaking and very unfortunate story. Michigan involuntary manslaughter attorneys understand that sometimes individuals in these types of situations experience such shock and panic that they don’t know what to do, and simply drive away. However, the criminal penalties for those convicted of involuntary manslaughter are severe, and include fines of up to $7,500 along with a possible prison term of 15 years.