Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On New Year’s day, a Lansing north side convenience store was where a shooting took place that resulted in one death and four injuries. The shooting occurred at approximately 2 a.m. at the Save On Market located at 736 West Willow Street.
Walter Brown, a neighbor living next to what many refer to as a “party” store, said that he had warned police that something like this would happen on countless occasions. Brown is president of the Knollwood Willow Neighborhood Association. He told reporters that the owners of the convenience store had promised to close the store at midnight, and that had they carried through with the promise, the shooting would not have happened.
Brown maintains that loiterers, drug pushers and other people who are up to no good congregate at the store. He said that on the morning of the shooting, he heard at least 30 shots fired.
County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he could not confirm either the number of weapons involved in the shooting, or how many shots were fired. On Tuesday a 20-year-old suspect was arrested by Lansing police, but it had not yet been determined what the suspect would be charged with.
Police released very little information pending the notification of the victims’ families, but said only that they ranged in age from 22 to 25. Details regarding the victim who was killed were not released.
An update to the story revealed that three of the victims sustained serious injuries, and one had injuries which were not life-threatening. The four were taken to a local hospital.
Police said that it appeared that a fight began inside the convenience store and then spilled outside. Employees would not comment on the shooting incident.
Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that the alleged shooter in this incident could face numerous criminal charges, possibly including murder. Without skilled legal representation, a conviction may mean substantial prison time, possibly even life behind bars.
If you have been arrested for a serious or violent crime, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer right away, before talking to police. You have legal rights, and your freedom must be protected.