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Homicide – Murder First Degree, Premeditated 750.316-A – Not Guilty
Assault with Intent to Murder 750.83 – Not Guilty
Felony Firearm 750.227b – Not Guilty
Felony Firearm 750.227b – Not Guilty
A young man was visiting his uncle when two unknown men began shouting at him from a car. Moments later, the men got out, ran toward him, and threatened to shoot him. One of the men was significantly larger than the young man. In fear for his life, he defended himself with his legally owned handgun. One of the men died.
The client immediately went to the police and turned himself in, understanding the risks of waiting and potentially facing a violent arrest. He was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault with intent to murder, and two counts of felony firearm.
He was denied bond despite having no criminal history—not even a traffic ticket. He lived with his wife and children, worked as a mechanic, and invested in real estate. After his arrest, his wife became a single mother overnight.
The prosecution offered a plea deal of 17 years in prison, which the client refused because he maintained his innocence. His wife encouraged him to stand by the truth.
Attorney Carl Jordan took the case to trial before Judge Donald Knapp. During cross-examination, a prosecution witness admitted that the two alleged victims had been drinking on the block all day. Attorney Jordan called his client to testify, guiding him through the events so the jury could clearly understand how the situation unfolded.
When Attorney Jordan noted that the incident occurred in a dangerous neighborhood, the prosecution disputed the point, even though Detroit was ranked the 2nd most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2022.
After deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict: NOT GUILTY on all four charges.
