The Morning Heat: Tuesday’s Trending Topics
3 charges dismissed in Jayru Campbell assault case
Detroit Cass Tech football star Jayru Campbell received a surprise in court Monday. Campbell, who has had previous run-ins with the law, had his most serious charges dismissed for assaulting his girlfriend.
In 36th District Court Judge Ruth Carter dismissed charges of intent to do great bodily harm, unarmed robbery and fraudulent use of a computer Monday. The 17-year-old is still facing a domestic violence charge, a 93-day misdemeanor. He remains in jail for a circuit court probation violation hearing. Some have questions wondering what kind of message today’s decision in court, is sending. Beth Morrison, the head of Haven, a metro Detroit organization for victims of domestic violence was disappointed but not surprised by the dropped felony charges. It is something Morrison says she sees far too often.
This isn’t the first time Campbell has been in trouble with the law. He had just finished serving time for body slamming a security guard at Cass Tech when he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend on Sept. 12, something the prosecution wanted considered. Carter agreed with the defense and said she thought each case should be looked at individually. Even though Campbell can be seen pushing his girlfriend to the ground of video, and one point with his hand around her neck, she felt the intent wasn’t there and there was insufficient evidence to support the unarmed robbery and unauthorized use computer device charge.
Cambell is facing a 93-day misdemeanor charge for domestic violence. His attorney, Jeffrey Edison, feels justice has been served. That’s what worries Morrision the most if young offenders aren’t held accountable for the actions now – she worries there could be more victims in the future. Fox 2 is told the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office plans to file a motion in circuit court to address this. They believe they presented sufficient evidence for Campbell to be bound over as charged.
Mother of 3-year-old fatally shot speaks out; Detroit man charged for her murder
The suspect police believe shot and killed 3-year-old Amiracle Williams has been charged with her murder. Police formally charged 23-year-old Donnie Everett. He was arraigned on nine counts Monday including first degree murder and four counts of assault with intent to murder. Home from the hospital after being shot in the leg, 40-year-old Freida Tiggs said coming home to a life without her daughter Amiracle is unbearable.
Amiracle was shot and killed at their east side Detroit home on Mogul and Hayes last Thursday after a Facebook feud and a fight outside. Tiggs, who was shot and beaten, says when she looked at Amiracle shot twice in the chest, she knew she lost her baby. Also caught in the gunfire was Amiracle’s father, 47-yo Demetrius Williams and her sister’s friend 17-year-old T’Kira Steen, who is seven-months pregnant.
Four others who survived the shooting are recovering. Police expect more charges to come against others involved. Amiracle’s mother says she has no sympathy for anyone who can point a gun at a baby and pull the trigger. Tiggs wanted to thank the public for their support, but Amiracle’s family still needs some help.
Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon told to reimburse taxpayers $18,186
Wayne County’s ethics board voted 3-1 Monday that Sheriff Benny Napoleon reimburse taxpayers $18,186 for use of his county SUV during his failed run for Detroit mayor. The only dissenting vote was appointed to the ethics board by Napoleon.
At issue during today’s meeting was the sheriff’s use, and alleged misuse, of his county vehicle during his run for Detroit Mayor last year. In 2013, he admitted to using county SUV on the campaign trail, charging a small fortune to taxpayers. A review by the county’s auditor general later found that use of his county drivers, gas and other costs totaled more than $18,000. At first, Napoleon promised to pay the county back, but then changed his mind. He asked that the county’s ethics board weigh-in on the issue instead. But after hearing that the board voted against Napoleon, his lawyer Mark Brewer sought a second opinion.
‘There is no urgency for this to be decided today, it will be decided soon,” Brewer said, adding that he’s now sought the opinion of Attorney General Bill Schuette. Most board members were surprised to hear that, especially since it was Napoleon who came to them for guidance.
Napoleon’s lawyer wasn’t the only one arguing on th sheriff’s behalf. Two of his appointees also took to the podium. Napoleon’s press Director Paula Bridges argued that her boss was just following in the footsteps of other county officials, and that it would be unfair to go after only after him. But after heated pleas that lasted nearly 30 minutes, board members said they’d heard enough. Napoleon’s lawyer said he won’t be writing the county a check until he hears back from Attorney General Schuette on whether he’ll issue an opinion on the matter.
Police: Sister and boyfriend arrested for stabbing 12-year-old in neck
Plymouth Township police were called to home near Beck and Territorial after a report that someone tried to kill a 12-year-old boy by having his throat cut. Police say Michael Angelo Rivera, 23, faces attempted murder charges after police say he along with his girlfriend, allegedly stabbed the boy in his neck.
The suspect’s girlfriend also happens to be the victim’s brother. Investigators they believe the two were plotting to kill additional family members. The 12-year-old victim. was taken by ambulance to CS Mott Children’s Hospital. Police say he is expected to make a full recovery while prosecutors still determine what charges his sister will face.
Rivera is being held on a $1 million dollar bond, he is facing six felony charges including conspiracy to commit murder. If convicted he could face life in prison. In the early hours of Friday morning police received a call into the dispatch provided to Fox 2 by Broadcastify, which let first responders know they would be dealing with a family dispute down a quiet suburban cul-de-sac.
Fox 2 spoke with one neighbor who saw police investigating the home Friday morning. The neighbor told us he’s had to call police in the past after seeing a teen girl speaking with an older man in a car parked in front of the home. He says he was shocked to hear that it would escalate to an alleged violent attack against her own brother. Fox 2 attempted to speak with the people at the home, but no one came to the door.
Written by LBeasley (Lauren Beasley), Digital Producer of The Morning Heat and Sports Editor of Radio One Detroit
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Trending Topics: Jayru Campbell Catches A Break, Sister and Boyfriend Arrested For Stabbing 12-year-old and More was originally published on hothiphopdetroit.com
