Man Avoids Attempted Murder Conviction In Ferris State Student's Shooting

BIG RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - A 21-year-old Detroit-area man charged in the shooting of a Ferris State University student at an off-campus apartment in February has entered a plea in the case.

DeCory Downing pleaded no contest Monday to two counts each of assault with a dangerous weapon and having a firearm in a felony. The Macomb County man was originally facing 17 felony charges related to the shooting, including attempted murder.

The shooting happened around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 in the parking lot of off-campus Venlo Place Apartments in Big Rapids.

The victim, who was not publicly identified, received a gunshot wound to the arm. He was treated at a Grand Rapids hospital and released.

Downing was eventually arrested after a day-long manhunt and police standoff. The university has said that Downing wasn't a Ferris State student.

Downing is being held on $200,000 bond ahead of a June 9 sentencing date.  A no contest plea isn't an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing.

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