CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two teens have been charged as adults in a shooting that happened during the Mall at Partridge Creek’s tree lighting ceremony.
It happened near the MJR theater just after 7 p.m. on Nov. 23, just as many families were attending the mall’s tree lighting event and moviegoers were inside the theater.
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According to authorities, gunfire erupted, causing panic as people ran to their vehicles in the parking lot, while others stayed inside the mall for safety.
A 17-year-old from Mount Clemens was shot four times and is said to be lucky to be alive after six surgeries. He’s expected to require more surgeries as he recovers.
After nearly three months, two 16-year-old suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting. They are facing assault with intent to murder charges.
Prosecutors requested a $2 million bond for King Payne and Christian Griffin, arguing Payne fired the shots and Griffin orchestrated the attack after getting into an argument with the victim.
“Mr. Griffin gets into an argument with someone else and instead of just having it end that way, what does he do? He then goes to proceed to call Mr. Payne,” said Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Fred Bartolomei. “Mr. Payne comes there with a loaded gun. Fires into the victim four separate times.”
The defense for Griffin argued he did not pull the trigger and disputed the allegations, emphasizing his limited criminal history and no evidence of flight risk.
The judge set a $2 million cash bond for Griffin with conditions including no contact with the victim, no possession of weapons, and house arrest if bond is posted.
Prosecutors said Payne is connected to two different armed robberies, but has not yet been charged. They expressed strong concerns about flight risk due to family members allegedly suggesting hiding out in Detroit.
The judge set a $5 million cash bond with similar conditions as Griffin’s.
Both teens’ next court date is March 2.