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3 Detroit Teens To Be Tried As Adults In Violent Crimes

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has charged two 15-year-old boys as adults on charges that carry up to life in prison for the alleged carjacking and shooting injury of a 6-year-old boy.

In an unrelated case, a 14-year-old boy was also charged Friday in the shooting death of his mother.

Devon Campbell, 15 and Leontay Welch, 15 allegedly planned and carried out a February 26 armed carjacking that landed a child in the hospital in critical condition. Prosecutors said Welch ran in front of the car to slow down the 2006 Pontiac Gran Prix being driven by a friend of the boy's 26-year-old mother, who was also in the car. The child was shot several times in the leg and lower back.

Campbell and Welch have been charged with carjacking, conspiracy, and assault with intent to murder in this case.  They each face charges  in additional carjackings that took place that same day.

Separately, Joshua Smith, 14, faces first degree murder and felon weapons charges in connection with the February 27 fatal shooting of 36-year-old Tamika Andrea Robinson.  Police said Smith found a gun and shot his mother multiple times after argument at their home on Burns Street. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

"We always deliberate very carefully when making charging decisions on juvenile defendants. In these cases we are going to try all of them as adults. The collective facts in these cases are particularly heinous, violent, and show a total disregard or feeling for human life," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy, in a statement.

All three were expected to be arraigned Saturday afternoon in 36th District Court.

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