2 Detroit Teens Charged With First-Degree Murder In Man's Death
DETROIT (WWJ) - Officials say two Detroit teenagers followed through on their plan to kill a man under a ruse they were buying marijuana on the city's west side.
Sixteen-year-old Cody Clark and 18-year-old Arkeene Broaden were arraigned Thursday on charges of first-degree murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and felony firearm. Clark, a juvenile, is being charged as an adult.
The charges stem from an incident that led to the death of 19-year-old Martez Johnson on June 28.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Clark and Broaden allegedly told Johnson they wanted to purchase marijuana at a house on the west side but they actually intended to steal money while there. Around 10 p.m., Broaden drove Clark and Johnson to a home in the 18100 block of Heyden, in a neighborhood just north of McNichols and Evergreen roads. Clark and Johnson went inside while Broaden stayed in the vehicle, officials said.
"Once Clark was inside the house he pointed a gun at Johnson's head," prosecutors said in a statement. "When Johnson tried to get away, he was fatally shot."
A 25-year-old man inside the home witnessed the shooting and exchanged shots with Clark as he fled on foot, officials said. It's alleged that when Broaden saw the witness leave the house, he began shooting at the man as he fled the scene driving northbound.
Police were called to the house and Johnson was pronounced dead on the scene.
A probable cause hearing has been set for July 23, with a preliminary exam scheduled for July 30.
