An investigation into the gunfire that shattered a holiday gathering at Clinton Township’s Mall at Partridge Creek has taken a sharp turn: two defendants are headed to circuit court, while charges against a third have been dismissed. King Payne and Terrence Janell Brown were bound over last Friday after a preliminary examination tied to the Nov. 23, 2025, shooting. Christian Griffin, who had also been charged in the case, had his charges dismissed that same day.
According to ClickOnDetroit, Payne and Brown appeared for the preliminary examination, where a judge reviewed prosecutors’ evidence to decide whether the felony case could move forward. Payne, who was charged as an adult with assault with intent to murder, remains in the case, while Brown, 18, faces a charge of accessory after the fact to a felony. The 17-year-old victim from Mount Clemens was shot four times and underwent six surgeries. The report did not state why Griffin’s charges were dismissed.
The case began during the Mall at Partridge Creek’s tree-lighting ceremony, when prosecutors alleged that Griffin got into a physical altercation with the victim and contacted Payne. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said Payne then traveled to the mall and allegedly shot the victim four times in the torso. Payne was also charged with felony firearm, while Griffin faced assault with intent to murder before his charges were later dismissed.
The shooting happened near the MJR theater as families attended the tree lighting and moviegoers were inside, sending people scrambling toward their vehicles and others staying inside for safety. Hoodline’s earlier report described the chaotic scene and the initial search for a suspect after the 17-year-old was wounded.
Next Hearing Set For Aug. 24
Payne and Brown are scheduled to be arraigned in circuit court at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 24, according to the latest court update. The two defendants could face trial as the case moves into the next phase of the felony proceedings.
What The Bindover Means
Under Michigan’s criminal court procedure, a preliminary examination is used to determine whether probable cause supports moving a felony case from district court to circuit court. As explained by the Michigan Judicial Institute, a bindover gives the circuit court jurisdiction over the felony case and is not a finding of guilt. Payne and Brown remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
