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News Updates - Week of July 28 - August 3, 2019
NEWS UPDATES
Monday, July 29, 2019
Detroit Man Charged in Hamtramck Assaults
On Friday July 26, 2019, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Marcus Maxwell Ross, 32, (DOB: 10/14/1986), of Detroit, in connection with two separate incidences of assault and robbery in Hamtramck.
Jos Campau and Casmere Sexual AssaultOn July 14, 2019 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a 16-year-old female was walking in the area of Jos Campau and Casmere in Hamtramck when she was approached by the defendant. It is alleged that the defendant forced her into an alley and sexually assaulted her. The assault was reported to the police. Medics transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment.Ross has been charged with Kidnapping, two counts of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, Assault by Strangulation, Felonious Assault and Armed Robbery.* He is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in 31st District Court in Hamtramck.
Caniff Sexual Assault
On July 18, 2019, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a 37-year-old woman was walking eastbound on Caniff in Hamtramck and observed that she was being followed by a man. After losing sight of him, the victim went home. At approximately 4:51 p.m., while she was sleeping, she was awakened by the defendant on top of her. As she struggled with him, she was hit several times then he left the scene on foot.
Investigation by the Hamtramck Police led to the arrest of the defendant. More complete facts and evidence in the cases will be presented at the preliminary examination.
Ross has been charged with Home Invasion First Degree, Criminal Sexual Conduct - Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Penetration, Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm and Felonious Assault.* He was arraigned and remanded to jail this in 31st District Court in Hamtramck. The defendant is charged with two counts of CSC First Degree in the July 14th Case. Ross was arraigned and received a $1 million bond on each case. The Probable Cause Conference is on August 8, 2019, and the Preliminary Examination is on August 15, 2019, both at 9:00 a.m.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
10-Year-Old Canton Youth Charged with Aggravated Assault
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged a 10-year-old Canton Township boy as a juvenile respondent in connection with an assault on a nine-year-old male classmate at a school located in the 1270 block of Haggerty in Canton Township.
On April 29, 2019, it is alleged that the 10-year-old was playing a ball game called Tips. A rubber ball, similar to a dodge ball, is used to play the game. Tips is a game that does not involve throwing the ball at the players. During the game, the players are in a circle and everyone tosses a ball in the air. The players must catch the ball while jumping off the ground. Once the game was over, it is alleged that the 10-year-old took the ball and intentionally threw it with force, causing the nine-year-old to suffer a concussion and abrasions to his face. The child's mother made a complaint to the Canton Township Police Department. When the investigation was completed, it was sent to the Prosecutor's office for review.
After a review of the evidence presented, the 10-year-old has been charged as a juvenile with Aggravated Assault.* This is a misdemeanor charge in adult court. In the juvenile system, there is wide discretion in fashioning a remedy that is in the best interest of the juvenile offender.
Prosecutor Worthy said, "In many juvenile cases, we are able to craft solutions prior to charging any offense. After charging, remedies can be anything from dismissal, to providing needed services for the juvenile respondent to diversion programs and beyond."
The 10-year-old's first court date will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in the Lincoln Juvenile Hall of Justice before Juvenile Referee Nicholas Bobek.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Statement of Prosecutor Worthy Dismissing Case Against 10-Year-Old Juvenile
This case came to us as a not-In-custody case - that means that there was never an arrest. Efforts were made to resolve this matter before it was sent to us for a charge consideration. The mother of the alleged victim had every right to go to the authorities and the authorities had an obligation to investigate. When this case was reviewed by my office, no one paid attention to the race of either party. It is categorically wrong to suggest that this was charged based on race or geography.
There has been quite a bit of inaccurate reporting in this case. There are also facts that played into our decision that have not, due to ethical rules, been reported.
I will never try our cases in the court of public opinion or outcry. Petition drives, protests, and other public so called pressure certainly have their place in a democracy. But they should never impact what is done in a case and should not affect outcomes. Justice always should.
The Juvenile Justice System, while by no means perfect, is markedly different from the adult systems in many ways for many reasons. There are certainly more options available and there should be. As I stated yesterday, often times in the appropriate matter, the result is dismissal, getting services provided, diversionary programs, and other options. Many times, cases should not be in the systems if other solutions can be implemented. Many times we will "go back to the table" and craft results and can do that if all parties cooperate. I have always been willing to keep an open mind when warranted, especially in juvenile cases. Admirably, that was tried here but we were not the table.
I have no doubt that both families involved love their children and want the best for them. But I do think that there is a better way to go forward at this time. And the cooperation of all parties is needed.
While the charge in this case is certainly sustainable, I have instructed my staff to dismiss this case today. It is my earnest hope that both sides will come back to the table to work out a solution that benefits both of these children. Again, I am confident that both of them are highly valued. I want to make sure that both children are served as we move forward and hopefully these charges will not have to be revisited.
Detroit Man Charged in Fatal Beating of Berkley Man
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Lawrence James Davis, 23 (DOB: 07/29/1995), of Detroit, in connection with the fatal beating of Tyler Jordan Wingate, 24, of Berkley, MI.
On July 22, 2019 sometime after 1:00 a.m. the victim and his passenger were driving northbound on Livernois Avenue when they crashed into another vehicle. The victim and the passenger exited the vehicle and walked into the gas station parking lot. It is alleged that the defendant struck the victim in the head and, after the victim fell, continued to strike him and kick him. The defendant then fled the scene on foot. At approximately 1:45 a.m. on the same day, Detroit police officers were dispatched to the area of West Davison and Livernois Avenue in response to a call about a shooting. Upon arrival, the officers observed Mr. Wingate lying on the ground unresponsive, in the parking lot of a gas station located in the 13500 block of Livernois. The officers also observed two vehicles nearby with apparent accident damage.
Medics arrived on the scene, and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigation by the Detroit Police resulted in the identification of the Davis. More complete facts and evidence in the case will be presented at the preliminary examination.
Davis has been charged with Open Murder.* Yesterday the defendant was arrested and taken into custody. The defendant was arraigned and remanded to jail today. The Probable Cause Conference is on August 14, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. and the Preliminary Examination is on August 21, 2019 at 1:30 p.m., both hearings are before Judge Lynise Weeks Bryant in 36th District Court at 1:00 p.m. Please confirm the arraignment with the court. A photograph of the defendant should be requested from DPD after the arraignment.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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