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News Updates - Week of April 8 - 14, 2018
NEWS UPDATES
Monday, April 9, 2018
Detroit Man Charged in December 2015 Homicide
On Friday, April 6, 2018 Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Joseph Ivan Gray, 37, (DOB: 09/29/1980), of Detroit, in connection with the homicide of Korteze Woods, 30, also of Detroit.
On December 17, 2015, at approximately 7:59 a.m., Detroit Police officers were dispatched to Intervale Street and Meyers Road to investigate a body in a vehicle. Medics were also dispatched to the scene and pronounced Woods dead at the scene. Investigation by the Detroit Police Department of the incident led to the arrest of the defendant. The facts and evidence in the case will be presented in court at the preliminary examination.
Gray has been charged with Murder - First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Felony Firearm*. Gray was arraigned on the warrant on April 7, 2018 before 34th District Court Magistrate Allen Hindman. The probable cause conference is scheduled for April 17, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.; the preliminary examination is scheduled for April 24, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Both hearings are before Judge Lydia Nance Adams in 36th District Court.
*The charges are allegations unless and until the defendant is convicted.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Detroit Man Charged in Shooting of Three-Year-Old
Exel Taylor, 24 (DOB: 11/22/1993), has been charged by Prosecutor Kym Worthy in connection with the non-fatal shooting of a three-year-old girl. On April 7, 2018 at 2:46 p.m. inside a gas station located in the 15900 block of Livernois, it is alleged that Taylor got into an argument with a 28-year-old Detroit man. They went outside and the argument became physical. It is further alleged that Taylor went to a car, retrieved a weapon, and began shooting at the man. Taylor's shot struck a three-year-old child in a car driven by her mother, who called 911. After the shooting, Taylor fled on foot and was arrested by the Detroit Police Department later the same day. The child was transported to a local hospital where she is being treated for gunshot wound to the head.
Taylor is charged with three counts of Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Carrying a Concealed Weapon -Motor Vehicle, Carrying a Weapon with Unlawful Intent, and four counts of Felony Firearm.* Taylor was arraigned on the warrant yesterday afternoon before 36th District Court Magistrate Bari Blake Wood. The probable cause conference is scheduled for April 17, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.; the preliminary examination is scheduled for April 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Both hearings are before Judge Kenneth King in 36th District Court. The defendant received a $500,000/cash/surety bond.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Detroit Police Officer Charged with Possession of Firearms
While Under the Influence
Detroit Police Officer Jerold Blanding was placed on Restricted Duty/No Gun Status as a result of the investigation into the February 13, 2017 fatal shooting of Raynard Burton, 19 of Detroit. On December 20, 2017 the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office determined that no charges would issue because Officer Blanding acted in lawful self defense. After the warrant denial Officer Blanding remained on restricted duty and was not allowed to carry a firearm. On January 14, 2018, at approximately 2:34 p.m. DPD patrol officers responded to an injury car accident in the 12900 block of Puritan when they encountered Blanding, who was off-duty at the time. Officer Blanding knew the victim, but was not involved in the accident. When Officer Blanding stood near the accident victim the officers tried to speak with him. It is alleged that his speech was slurred and the odor of alcohol was detected. It is further alleged that he had three handguns in his possession, and he resisted and obstructed the police as they were attempting to render aid to the accident victim.
Today Blanding has been charged with three counts of Possession of Firearm While Under the Influence, eight counts of Resisting and Obstructing the Police, and 6 counts of Felony Firearm.* He was arraigned this afternoon in 36th District Court and received a $50,000 personal bond. His probable cause conference is scheduled for April 18, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. and his preliminary examination is scheduled for April 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Friday, April 13, 2018
Detroit Duo Charged in Crime Spree
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Sammie Leland Harris, 18 (DOB: 07/21/1999) and Leshawn Kyle Glover, 21 (DOB: 07/27/1996), both of Detroit, in connection with a series of carjackings and armed robberies in Detroit. Investigation by the Wayne State University Police Department and the Detroit Police Department led to the arrest of both defendants.
On April 11, 2018 at approximately 2:00 a.m., it is alleged that the defendants carjacked a 45-year-old man, of Detroit, at gunpoint on Manor Street near Joy Road in Detroit. Harris and Glover have been charged with Carjacking, two counts of Armed Robbery, Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile, Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle, and Felony Firearm*.
On April 11, 2018 at approximately 2:40 a.m., it is alleged the defendants robbed a 25-year-old man, of Detroit, at gunpoint, on Cass Avenue near Amsterdam Street on the campus of Wayne State University. Harris and Glover have been charged with Armed Robbery and Felony Firearm.*
On April 12, 2018 at approximately 12:23 a.m., it is alleged the defendants robbed a 20-year-old man, of Detroit, at gunpoint, stole personal property from the victim and assaulted him on in the 5300 block of Cass Avenue on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Harris and Glover have been charged with Armed Robbery. Harris has also been charged with Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Firearm*.On April 12, 2018 at approximately 12:33 a.m., it is alleged the defendants carjacked, robbed at gunpoint and assaulted a 27-year-old woman, of Detroit, in the 500 block of West Hancock on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit. Harris and Glover have been charged with Carjacking, Armed Robbery, Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile, Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Firearm. Harris has also been charged with Fleeing and Eluding - Third Degree*.
Harris and Glover are expected to be arraigned on the warrants this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in 36th District Court.
*The charges are allegations unless and until the defendant is convicted.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Rolaunda Paul, 30, (DOB: 10/13/1987), of Detroit, has been charged with Child Abuse Second Degree* by Prosecutor Kym Worthy. On April 10, 2018, it is alleged that Defendant Paul assaulted her two -year-old child on the sidewalk in front of her apartment building located on Delaware Street in Detroit. She is expected to be arraigned in Sunday, April 15, 2018 in 34th District Court in Romulus.
