A 16-year-old from Highland Park is facing charges in the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old Detroit boy, which took place last month outside a dollar store. The incident, which occurred on Woodward Avenue near Manchester St., happened on the afternoon of November 25, according to Audacy. Responding officers found the young victim in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the back. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The alleged shooter, whose name has not been released due to his age, was apprehended last Sunday after an investigation led by Highland Park Police with assistance from the Michigan State Police. ClickOnDetroit reports that he has been charged with first-degree murder, and while not being charged as an adult, the teen has been designated as an adult for judicial purposes. This designation gives the court the latitude, upon conviction, to impose juvenile or adult sentencing, or a blended option that could evolve into an adult sentence if rehabilitation is unsuccessful.
The preliminary hearing for the case was scheduled yesterday at the Juvenile Detention Facility. The charge of first-degree murder suggests premeditation in the act. However, details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting or a potential motive have not been publicly disclosed by authorities. CBS News Detroit notes that the court documents allege the suspect fired a handgun "multiple times" before fleeing the scene.
