A necklace robbery on Wayne State University's campus turned violent when shots were fired, and prosecutors now say a 16-year-old Detroit boy is the one who pulled the trigger.
According to investigators, the teen is accused of attacking an 18-year-old Detroit man on Jan. 27 in the 600 block of Williams Mall, robbing him of his necklace and firing a handgun during the encounter. The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim, produced and discharged the weapon, then took the necklace and ran.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged the juvenile with armed robbery, unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and felonious assault, according to ClickOnDetroit. Wayne State University Police investigated the case and arrested the teen last Thursday.
Court timeline
A preliminary hearing was held yesterday, at the juvenile detention facility, where the respondent was remanded to custody. A probable cause conference is the next big date on the calendar.
"A probable cause conference is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Lincoln Hall of Justice," according to ClickOnDetroit.
Campus response
Wayne State University Police, who led the investigation that resulted in last Thursday's arrest, serve as the primary responders for incidents on campus. The university's emergency materials list the department and a 24-hour contact line, underscoring that campus officers handle crimes reported on or near Williams Mall. Wayne State's emergency action plan also lists the department and its contact information for students and staff.
What "adult designation" can mean
Prosecutors say the juvenile has been designated for adult-style treatment in family court. That label does not automatically mean he will be tried as an adult, but it does open the door to adult-like procedures and potential sentencing options if he is convicted.
Legal guides on Michigan juvenile practice explain that designated cases stay in family court while allowing adult-style trials. Judges in those cases may impose juvenile, adult or blended sentences, depending on the charges and the outcome. For background on how designated cases work, see Prain Law, PLLC.
The probable cause conference on March 9 will be a key step in determining whether the charges move forward, and the juvenile will remain in custody until the court makes a ruling. This story will be updated if court filings, official statements or additional records are released.
