(WWJ) A 36-year-old Pontiac man is facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted as charged in a fatal shooting over the weekend.
Jonathan Mack was arraigned Wednesday on multiple felony counts, including first-degree murder, in the death of 28-year-old Kevonte Javon Smith.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened Saturday, April 11, during what investigators believe was a robbery.
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Crystal Lake Drive at around 2:15 p.m.. Upon arrival, they discovered Smith lying in a driveway with a gunshot wound to the back.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to witnesses, Mack fled the area on foot immediately after the shooting.
The sheriff’s office used drones and K9 units to search the area, with a police dog successfully finding the murder weapon. Following the search, the Directed Patrol Unit found and arrested Mack at a home on Spokane Drive.
Mack is charged with the following:
- First-Degree Murder
- Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person
- Discharging a Firearm in or at a Building
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Three counts of Felony Firearm
In a statement Sheriff Mike Bouchard praised the quick work of his team in securing the arrest and evidence.
“The senseless and tragic murder must have consequences for the perpetrator,” Bouchard said. “I am proud of our team that brought the case to this point including the canine that helped find the murder weapon. We look forward to the accused being held fully accountable.”
Mack remains held without bond. He will be back in Pontiac’s 50th District Court for a Probable Cause Conference set for April 28, followed by a Preliminary Examination on May 5.
He faces mandatory life in prison if convicted on the first degree murder charge.
