DETROIT (WWJ) – A teenager in Detroit has been charged in the shooting death of a 20-year-old woman who was shot while driving with her mother and sister. They were apparently not the shooter's intended target.
Marion Johnson, 19, is facing first-degree murder and other charges for allegedly shooting Ciera Wells as she was on the way to the store with her family, reportedly just a day after her 20th birthday.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office says Wells, her mother and her sister were driving on Maddelein Street near Hayes on the city’s east side when they heard multiple gunshots around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Officials say Wells was shot in the back, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree.
Officers found Wells unresponsive in the driver’s seat, according to police. She was taken to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The others inside the vehicle were not injured.
Johnson was arrested the same day.
The suspect allegedly opened fire on the vehicle because he had mistakenly identified the vehicle because it was a similar make and color to one that had been involved in a prior incident with Johnson.
Detroit police have not released details about that prior incident, but have said it had nothing to do with the victims. During Johnson’s arraignment, his attorney said the teen believed he was shooting at a group of men who were coming to jump him, according to a report from Fox 2.
In addition to first-degree murder, Johnson has been charged with two counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, and three counts of Felony Firearm.
He is set to appear in 36th District Court on April 7 for a probable cause conference.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral costs for Wells.
Related
Related
