2-Year-Old Girl Remains On Life-Support As 3 Men Charged With Attempted Murder In Shooting
ROMULUS (WWJ) - Three Detroit men were ordered held without bond after being charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, in connection with a shooting that left a 2-year-old girl clinging to life.
Cleveland Smelley, 30, Deonta Bennett, 21, and Antoine Smelley, 32, appeared via video Saturday in 34th District Court in Romulus where they were arraigned on multiple criminal charges in connection with the shooting of Makanzee Oldham.
Reports indicate that Oldham is brain dead. She remains on life-support while arrangements are being made for her organs to be donated.
The charges stem from a shooting that happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at a home in the 16400 block of Fairmount, in a neighborhood along Kelly Road just south of 8 Mile Road.
Prosecutors allege that Antoine Smelley was at the home when he poured juice over the head of a young woman who was getting ready to go to prom. After spilling the drink, which reports identified as Kool-Aid, officials say Antoine Smelley pulled out a handgun and threatened the young woman and her friends.
Shortly thereafter, Cleveland Smelley and Bennett drove over to the house and a fight broke out. During the fight, investigators say Bennett gave a handgun to Cleveland Smelley, who shot at seven people in a car -- striking Oldham in the head.
All three defendants are charged with eight counts of assault with intent to murder.
Additionally, Cleveland Smelly is charged with felony firearm - second offense; Bennett is charged with felony firearm; and Antoine Smelley is charged with two counts of felonious assault, and felony firearm.
Meantime, relatives have set up a GoFundMe account to help Oldham's family pay for medical expenses and funeral costs.
