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Preliminary Examination Adjourned for Highland Park Homicide of Transgender Woman
On March 15, 2024, Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Carlos Lamar Scotland, 18, in connection with the fatal shooting of Asia Davis, 36, both of Highland Park, MI. Ms. Davis was a transgender woman of color. Defendant Scotland is being prosecuted as an adult in this case.
On June 1, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Highland Park police officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 16300 block of Woodward Avenue for a reported shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim inside of a hotel room, deceased, with a gunshot wound to her head.
It is alleged that Defendant Scotland fired a handgun, fatally wounding Ms. Davis, before fleeing the scene. An extensive investigation by the Michigan State Police led to the arrest of the defendant on March 12, 2024.
Carlos Lamar Scotland is charged with First Degree Murder, Felony Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer. *
He was arraigned and remanded to jail on March 15, 2024, in 30th District Court before Judge Bridget Officer Holley. The Probable Cause Conference was held on March 26, 2024.
Today the Preliminary Examination was adjourned in 30th District Court to refer the defendant for an evaluation for competency to stand trial. The next court date is on July 16, 2024.
Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP) is a program that assists Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving serious crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons.
"Ms. Davis was a transgender woman of color who was murdered on the first day of Pride Month on June 1, 2023. She was beloved in her community and was known to be a generous and compassionate person according to her family and many friends. It is alleged that the defendant shot and killed her. At the time of her death, she had recently completed nursing school and was going to start a new job when her life was tragically cut short," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
"This charging decision comes after hundreds of hours of work from the investigators at the Michigan State Police (MSP). Our Special Prosecutor Kam Towns has provided legal assistance to MSP and will be prosecuting the case. Through their dedication and hard work, we can announce these charges. Asia Davis' loved ones deserve to know that justice will be served, and we have never wavered in that commitment. We are proud to partner with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office to prosecute homicides such as this," said Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire.
"The goal of the Michigan State Police is to help build a Michigan where everyone can feel safe and secure. The men and woman of the Second District, Special Investigation Section worked tirelessly to investigate this homicide," said F/Lt. Michael Shaw, Second District Public Information Officer.
Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Michigan State Police Department.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Contact:
Maria Miller
Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Director of Communications
Alanna Maguire
President, Fair Michigan Foundation, Inc.
877-4FAIR-MI
