MUSKEGON, Mich. — A Muskegon man was charged Monday in a shooting that left a 6-month-old child dead, and police have released updated information about the men who were first detained.
Julio Deadrick Casiano Jr. appeared in a Muskegon County courtroom, officially facing charges of open murder and lying to a police officer during the investigation of the violent crime.
READ: 6-month-old shot to death in Muskegon, 4 arrested
On Friday, police were called to a home on East Isabella Street in Muskegon, where they found a 6-month-old girl shot.
The baby girl was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
Four men, who were initially suspected in the shooting, were arrested soon after.
POLICE REPORT:
Musekgon police say a pick-up truck was reportedly parked outside the East Isabella home when the shooting happened and took off immediately after, with four people inside.
Within minutes of the shooting, Muskegon police spotted the truck, which fled when police attempted a traffic stop. Muskegon officers and state troopers pursued the vehicle for nearly 20 minutes before they say they apprehended the suspects.
After investigating, Muskegon police say they now believe those four people were the possible targets of the shooting.
After police spoke to them, they were released.
Later on Friday, around 9:20 p.m., police say they were conducting surveillance related to the case on 8th Street in Muskegon Heights when they were shot at.
Police surrounded a target house and prepared a search warrant. Police say three men exited the house and surrendered, one of whom now faces murder charges for the death of the 6-month-old.
The other two, a 25-year-old and a 22-year-old from Muskegon Heights, were charged with shooting at detectives and probation violation, respectively.
CHARGES IN COURT
In court, Casiano was assigned a public defender Monday, though he spoke up during the court hearing. “I have a lawyer, but he’s not here right now,” he told Judge Kostrzewa.
“Who’s that?" asked the judge.
“I’ve got to make some calls… I have a lawyer.”
While prosecutors do not believe Casiano was trying to shoot the young child, they say it doesn't matter. He meant to fire the gun, prosecutors say, and wanted to hit someone. The bullet just didn't hit the intended target.
Prosecutor Matt Roberts requested that Casiano be denied bond.
“The circumstances surrounding this death are just beyond words… indiscriminately opened fire on a group of residents… killing a 6-month-old child,” Roberts said in court. “These circumstances are truly horrific.”
Roberts went on to call the child’s death a “nightmare situation”.
Bond was denied.
Also in court on Monday, 25-year-old Tollie Hatcher is facing a felony firearms charge in the same case. He's not believe to be involved with the shooting of the baby girl, but he was allegedly with Casiano at some point over the weekend. When investigators came by, he allegedly opened fire on officers.
If you have any information about the deadly shooting, you are asked to call the Muskegon Police Department at (231) 724-6750 or Silent Observer at (231) 722-7463. You can always remain anonymous when providing information through Silent Observer.
