GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The defense attorney representing Justin Amir House, the man accused in the March 12 shooting death of 13-year-old Jamarion McCuller, delivered an update in the case Monday afternoon.
Watch the news conference here:
House faces a second-degree murder charge.
Attorney James King says House has been released after his bond, previously valued at $2 million, was reduced.
King explains House's car was stolen and subsequently crashed. He says witnesses to the crash noted the car was occupied by a group of juveniles all armed with firearms before the shooting that led to McCuller's death.
One of the juveniles is believed to have gestured in a way suggesting he intended to shoot House, according to King.
"He believed that one of the individuals made a gesture and was about to shoot him," said King. "That evidence was supported by the statements and the testimony of the witnesses at the preliminary exam and we are very very hopeful that justice will prevail on behalf of Mr. House.”
King said he's also seen social media videos of the teens that showed they had access to firearms.
We're told a prosecutor offered a plea deal to House of 13-years on second degree murder and firearms charges. If House decides to go to trial, he could face up to life in prison if found guilty. It's a crucial decision King says he needs time to consider with his client.
“Right now, that’s a lot to ask of Mr. House, specifically when you have a case like this where an individual stands a chance to win a trial," said King. “There is no second place in my profession. Either you win these things or people’s lives are impacted forever.”
READ MORE: Man charged in 13-year-old's death, bond set at $2M
