Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Tuesday July 9, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officials were asking for the public’s help in finding a 21-year-old man who has been charged in a shooting that occurred in Kalamazoo’s Edison neighborhood on July 4th. Okoli Dion Staggers was charged with seven counts of weapons violations and assault with intent to murder; a warrant has been issued for Staggers.
According to a news article at Mlive.com, Staggers shot a Hays Park Street resident in the leg as he was walking toward his front porch. The victim is 52 years old, and was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital where he was treated and release. Original news reports released on July 5 indicated that the victim was sitting on his front porch when the shooting took place, however this turned out not to be the case. Either way, police do not believe the man was the intended victim in the shooting.
Okoli Staggers is described as a small man who stands about 5′ 4″ and weighs approximately 130 pounds, however he is considered by authorities to be armed and dangerous.
Three hours after this incident occurred, a second shooting took place in the area of West Paterson and North Rose Streets in Kalamazoo. A 21-year-old man was shot in the chest as he was walking in the area. At last report he was listed in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. The shooting incidents did not appear to be related.
Assault with intent to commit murder is a very serious criminal offense, punished harshly in the state. Michigan assault with intent to commit murder attorneys know that individuals who are convicted of this serious crime may face a sentence of life in prison, or any number of years.
Individuals who are arrested for or charged with these types of serious or violent crimes must have an experienced and capable lawyer who will work vigorously to protect your legal rights and freedom. Whether or not you have been charged, consult with a highly-qualified Michigan criminal defense lawyer right away.