3 men charged in shooting of 2-year-old Detroit girl face judge

Prosecutors say man pouring juice on woman's head prompted fight

DETROIT – Three men were arraigned Saturday in the shooting of a 2-year-old girl Wednesday evening in the 16400 block of Fairmount.

As family members of Makanzee Oldham remained by her bedside, they were pleased to know the men police suspect are responsible for the shooting faced a judge Saturday.

Home video shows Makanzee's precious smile, but the 2-year-old's life took a terrible turn when a bullet hit her head Wednesday night near Fairmount Drive and Cordell Street.

"She was a blessing. Always happy," Marcell Oldham said. "She didn't deserve it. This was senseless."

Makanzee's family struggles to deal with the untimely loss.

"We had a long weekend planned out for her, but unfortunately this happened," Oldham said.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Makanzee was seriously wounded when one of the men opened fire on a vehicle which she was inside.

This weekend, the three men charged in the shooting made their first court appearance. Cleveland Smelley, the accused gunman, his brother Antoine Smelley and Deonta Bennett face eight counts of assault with the intent to murder. Cleveland Smelley also faces a felony firearm charge (second offense). Antoine Smelley also faces a felony firearm charge and a felonious assault charge.

They were remanded to jail Saturday.

What happened

The Prosecutor's Office said it all started when Antoine Smelley poured juice over a woman's head as she was getting ready to attend prom. He's also accused of a pulling out a handgun and threatening the young woman and her friends.

Cleveland Smelley and Bennett soon met up with Antoine Smelley at the home. A fight between the men erupted inside the home before it moved outside and several more people became involved. Bennett allegedly gave Cleveland Smelley a handgun, which he is accused of using to open fire at a car. Little Makanzee has been hospitalized ever since. She remains in serious condition. 

Family: 2-year-old shot on Detroit's east side is still alive

"They don't deserve to be on the streets and justice needs to be served," Qiana Moore said.

The suspects' family were in court concerned with the fact all three men are behind bars. The defendant's family said Cleveland Smelley fired the gun, but only to defend himself.

"I've been crying about the baby every day," Kamika Smelley said. "Crying for my cousins because they were good boys."

But Makanzee's family believes the actions of all three -- not one -- led to little Makanzee's injuries.

Help for Makanzee's family

Makanzee's family said the little girl, who would turn 3 years old June 13, has been clinging to life. They are seeking help to cover health care and potential funeral costs. You can help at this GoFundMe page.Â