DETROIT – Whether Charles Jones goes free or goes to prison largely depends on Chauncy Owens.
For the second time, prosecutors tried to get Owens to testify on Thursday about Jones' involvement in the murder of 17-year-old Je'rean Blake. And for the second time, Owens remained silent.
Blake was gunned down outside a Detroit convenience store. The police raided Jones' home in search for Blake's killer, leading to the death of 7-year-old Aiyana Jones, who was shot by a police officer's accidental gun discharge.
Jones is charged with murder in Blake's shooting death.
By clamming up, Owens puts himself in deeper legal trouble.
With the prosecution's case against Jones weakening, his defense attorney asked the judge to give him bond.