Saginaw Twp. teen charged with murder is on probation for previous gun incident | News

SAGINAW TWP., (WJRT) – A teenager was officially arraigned in connection with the fatal shooting in Saginaw Township Wednesday night.

Statements read in court revealed that the teenager was in trouble for firing a gun at a high school earlier this year.

He was on probation when the shooting occurred this week.

Jawon Williams, 15, was on probation for fleeing and running away from police following an incident in February.

What’s more, the home where Williams lived in Saginaw Township was the subject of a search warrant in May in connection with a multi-county auto theft ring.

“Count 1: manslaughter, premeditated murder, life imprisonment or any term of imprisonment,” Saginaw County District Court Judge Terry Clark read the most serious charge against Jawon Williams.

A total of six criminal charges are being filed against 15-year-old Williams in connection with the fatal shooting on Mackinaw Road in Saginaw Township on Wednesday evening.

Investigators believe it was Williams who shot at a car approaching his house, killing 24-year-old Dennis Mayes and injuring two other teenagers.

At least four bullets struck a nearby house, nearly hitting the three people inside.

Williams’ attorney Steve Fenner says Williams fired the gun in self-defense.

Judge Terry Clark read the prosecution’s bail recommendation.

“The defendant fired twenty rounds from a high-power assault rifle at three victims, injuring two and killing one. The defendant’s violent conduct in this case demonstrates that he poses a significant danger to the public,” Clark read.

This is believed to be the second violent incident this year involving Williams.

It was in February when a shot was fired during a fight outside Saginaw High School. There were no injuries.

Police pursued a car carrying the suspected shooter, identified as Williams, and he was eventually arrested. He was convicted in juvenile court in April of fleeing and eluding police and was placed on probation.

In May, police executed a search warrant at the same home where Wednesday’s shooting occurred in connection with a multi-county car theft ring, but no arrests were made.

Judge Clark denied bail for Williams, who will remain in custody at the Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center.