DEARBORN, Mich. – Two suspects arrested in connection to the fatal shooting at the Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn were arraigned on felony firearm charges Tuesday.
Martinez Dontez Long, 19, of Detroit, and Cania Cane, 19, of Oak Park, each pleaded not guilty to one count of carrying a concealed weapon — a felony which carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Neither defendant is being charged with murder in the case due to the fact that one of the shooting victims was first to produce a firearm during the dispute, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said.
A third suspect was also arrested in connection with the incident, however the individual was released due to insufficient evidence, according to prosecutors.
Gunfire erupted inside the shopping mall around 1:25 p.m. last Friday, causing confusion and chaos both inside and outside the mall. When officers arrived, they found three people with gunshot wounds.
More: Dearborn police describe what led to fatal shooting, leaving 2 dead, 1 injured inside Fairlane Mall
Two of the victims, identified as 19-year-old Cameron Watkins, and 19-year-old Keonte Seaborn, both of Detroit, died as a result of their injuries.
According to prosecutors, Watkins was the first to produce a weapon during the altercation, and reportedly shot Seaborn with a weapon he took from Cain’s purse. Watkins then continued to shoot recklessly in the mall, prompting Long to shoot Watkins in self-defense, prosecutors said.
Another victim was also shot by Watkins during the struggle, who was treated at a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
During his arraignment on Tuesday, Long’s attorney asked Judge Sam Salamy for a 10% bond with a GPS tether due to his client having no previous criminal history. Salamy denied the request, citing the court’s “grave concerns” about the well-being and safety of the community.
Cain reportedly went into labor prior to her arraignment, sources told Local 4, which caused a delay. She was later arraigned from the hospital over Zoom, the court confirmed.
Bond for both defendants was set for $75,000 cash or surety, with no 10%. Their next court appearance will be a Probable Cause Conference at 8:30 a.m. July 15.