DETROIT – Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged three people in the murder of a 13-year-old Detroit boy who was abducted while riding a bike along a city street.
Gregory Walker, Lillian Roberts and Earnest Coleman are charged with kidnapping, torture and murder, among other charges, in connection to the death of 13-year-old Deontae Mitchell. All three are expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.
It is alleged that the three kidnapped Mitchell at gunpoint outside Nino's Market on East Warren Avenue about 11:15 p.m. May 31. Walker is accused of beating and choking the boy to death.
What happened
Mitchell disappeared May 31. He was riding bikes with his cousin near Nino's Market on East Warren Avenue. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Mitchell picked up cash he saw a man drop on the ground. He and his friend then rode away on their bikes.
Video shows Mitchell being pursued by a man who grabbed him by his arm and forced him into a car.
Police believe that man was 45-year-old Gregory Walker, who was arrested the same day Mitchell's body was found. The Prosecutor's Office said Walker was helped by Roberts and Coleman.
From the Prosecutor's Office:
It is further alleged that Walker beat the child and later choked him to death while aided and abetted by Roberts and Coleman."
Read: Suspect in abduction of missing Detroit teen arrested in Ohio
Mitchell's body was in a field near Harper Avenue and Baldwin Street.
"This case shocked us all. And there’s not a lot that shocks a seasoned prosecutor," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Walker and Roberts were found and arrested in Toledo, Ohio. They were extradited to Detroit this week. Coleman first was charged with kidnapping and arraigned on June 5. He is being held on a $1 million bond.
Charges:
- Walker, 44, first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, unlawful imprisonment ,kidnapping, torture, felon in possession of a firearm, felony firearm
- Roberts, 43, felony firearm, felony murder, kidnapping, torture, unlawful imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm
- Coleman, 26, in addition to kidnapping, felony murder, torture, unlawful imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm, felony firearm
Autopsy complete, funeral scheduled
The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office finished an autopsy on Mitchell’s body, but said the cause of death is pending. However, it was ruled a homicide. There was no indication of gunshot wounds.
Family members said it will be a closed casket.
A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday at noon at the Clora Funeral Home on 7 Mile Road. The funeral is set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the Second Ebenezer Church on Dequindre Road.
Mayor says city is grieving
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the entire city is grieving with Mitchell's family.
"The tragedy of Deontae Mitchell has touched the hearts of all Detroiters," Duggan said during a joint news conference with Police Chief James Craig.
Duggan said there is far too much violence in the city.
"The most terrible moment of being the mayor of Detroit is when the phone rings late at night and I see it's coming from Chief Craig," Duggan said.