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Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Lise Cox, 58 (DOB: 08/02/1958), of Detroit, in connection with the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Emarjae Watkins. On Monday, December 12, 2016 at approximately 8:45 a.m., Ms. Cox went to work, leaving her two grandsons, ages 13 and 15, in her home in the 4300 block of Tireman. It is alleged that Ms. Cox kept a handgun on the floor underneath the dresser in her bedroom and that she was aware that both of her grandsons knew the location of the weapon and the ammunition.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on the same day, Emarjae Watkins and another boy came over to Ms. Cox’s house. It is alleged that while her 13-year-old grandson was playing with the gun, it discharged, fatally striking Emarjae in the back. Emarjae was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Ms. Cox’s 13-year-old grandson was charged as a juvenile respondent with: Manslaughter - Death by Weapon Aimed with Intent but Without Malice; Felony Firearm; and Careless Discharge Causing Injury or Death.* A preliminary hearing was held and bond was set by Referee Leslie Graves at $7,500/10%. A pretrial hearing before Judge Frank Szymanski is scheduled for January 30, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in the Lincoln Hall of Justice.

Today Ms. Cox has been charged with one count of Involuntary Manslaughter (Grossly negligent storage / maintenance of the handgun, resulting in Emarjae’s death); two counts of Child Abuse Second Degree (Knowingly committing an act likely to cause serious physical harm - one count for each grandson); and Felony Firearm.*

The probable cause conference is scheduled for December 22, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.; the preliminary examination is scheduled for January 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Both hearings are before Judge Kenneth King in 36th District Court.

* The charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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