Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Friday September 1, 36-year-old Micah Arnold was shot multiple times according to Lansing police Capt. Daryl Green. Officers were dispatched to the 3100 block of Turner Street, where they found Arnold struggling for air as he was lying on the ground. After being taken to an area hospital, Arnold died at about 12:30 a.m. on Saturday.
According to Green, the Lansing police had identified a suspect in the shooting at that time and were continuing their investigation into the shooting.
News reports 3 days later revealed that police are looking for assistance from the public in locating 24-year-old Kelvin “Monroe” Bates, who is wanted for questioning in the murder of Arnold. Bates is described as a black man who is approximately 5′ 6″ tall, 125 pounds. He was last seen with his hair braided.
The incident is believed to have started over an altercation that occurred several days prior when a liquor bottle was thrown to the ground according to Arnold’s friends. The victim was shot outside Hildebrant Park apartments, where a female friend said that Arnold stood by as her brother told Bates to clean up the glass from the pavement. She said that Arnold was not involved, but that Bates returned on Friday and waved for her, her brother and Arnold to come closer. At that time, he pulled a gun and shot her brother in the leg and shot Arnold in the neck before shooting him multiple times in the chest.
Arnold had 3 children and was employed on the night shift at General Motors.
While this seems like a senseless crime, Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that frequently there is more to the story than is first released to the public. When Bates is apprehended, he will likely be charged with murder or homicide, an offense that carries extremely harsh penalties for those convicted.
First- or second-degree or felony murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter – these crimes often leave the accused facing substantial time (or even life) behind bars. Regardless of your guilt or innocence, your future is at stake without a capable Michigan homicide lawyer to protect your rights and provide strong legal representation.