News

Actions

Kentwood Murder Suspect Arraigned on Unrelated Charges & Uncooperative

Posted at 7:52 AM, Apr 05, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-05 11:05:24-04

WYOMING, Mich.–The only suspect in a double homicide of a Kentwood couple is being held at the Kent County jail without bond.

Javonte Higgins, 22, was arraigned via video on Friday in Wyoming  District Court on unrelated felony warrants for auto theft and home invasion.

During the arraignment, Higgins looked down and did not respond to the judge when asked to acknowledge the charges.

The judge called him uncooperative.

“I will take your swaying as a yes,” said Wyoming District Judge Pablo Cortes, when Higgins did not reply to his question.

Higgins was arraigned on two counts of felony home invasion, unlawful driving of a motor vehicle, and fleeing a police officer.

The charges stem from December 9th in Wyoming. Police say  Higgins stole rings and a truck from two homes located on 52nd Street, according to court records.

The burglaries took place within 100 yards of each other. Investigators say Higgins left the neighborhood and was driving fast.

When officers tried to pull him over, he ran a red light and crashed the stolen truck. The accident caused a serious injury to his hip that would later become crucial to his suspect description.

Higgins was taken to the hospital for his injuries, but ended up walking away before police could charge him.

He was arrested in January in the Chicago area

He remains the only suspect in the murders of David and Vivian Bouwman, but has not been charged in that case.

Kentwood Police are expected to meet with the Kent County Prosecutor sometime on Friday to discuss the case.

The elderly couple was found shot to death in their Kentwood home on January 5th.

Higgins is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing on the unrelated charges on April 17th at 1 p.m.