MUSKEGON, Mich. — Additional charges have been filed against two men charged in the shooting death of a 6-month-old in Muskegon.
On Wednesday, Muskegon County prosecutor D.J. Hilson told FOX 17 that Julio Deadrick Casiano Jr. and Tollie Hatcher have been charged with felony gang charges.
Casiano is accused of firing the gunshots that killed 6-month-old A'Dourr Malone on East Isabella Street in early April 2023. She was found with a gunshot wound and later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Casiano was subsequently charged with open murder and lying to police. His bond was denied.
Hatcher was charged with assault with intent to murder and felony firearms for allegedly shooting at two investigators who were conducting surveillance on his home.
ORIGINAL STORY: 6-month-old shot to death in Muskegon, 4 arrested
May 22, 2023, was Casiano's preliminary hearing at the Muskegon County Courthouse. Before being bound over, his attorney Heath Lynch argued that Casiano requested an attorney during the initial interview of the investigation, saying that he asked for one twice.
Muskegon Police Detective Kyle Hall said that he interpreted it differently, and not as a question.
"He asked you: Can I have an attorney?" Lynch said to Hall. "And your testimony is that you answered affirmatively you and Detective Hayes or Officer Hayes kept on asking questions. Is that right?"
"That is true and that at some point Det. Sgt. Hayes also reminds Julio of his Miranda Rights," Det. Hall said.
Hall also read an apology letter that Casiano wrote to the Malone family, during an interview with police, in which Casiano stated, "I am sorry for how things played out. I never meant for any of this happened."
Judge Raymond Kostrzewa presided over the preliminary hearing, and said to the defense that he needed more information in regards to what was said.
"I want specificity," said Judge Kostrzewa to Lynch. "Because timing, the exact language used, the exact responses, that means something in terms of a hearing regarding the admissibility of an admission or a confession. I need to know the details. Not the I'm not sures. I’m not sure the order. I'm not sure how much time. I don’t know exactly what his response was. It has to be specifically examined."
Judge Kostrzewa also stated that there were multiple false statements made in the investigation along with "attempts to deceive police."
"I also find on the issue whether this was accidental or not the fact that at least 18 different shell casings were found," Judge Kostrzewa said. "It’s tough for me as a finder of fact to say that you accidentally fired a gun 18 times."
Judge Kostrzewa then bound Casiano over for trial.
READ MORE: Another man now facing charges in shooting death of 6-month-old Muskegon girl
