Siblings charged in parking lot shooting that killed 2
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — Tensions flared and a gun was fired during a dispute between two groups at a shopping mall, resulting in two deaths and felony charges against a brother and sister.
The incident occurred at around 2:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, in the parking lot right outside the Foot Locker shoe store at Kelly and Eight Mile roads.
Two groups ran into each other, each with four people. According to police, an individual in one group — Dejuan Jermain Taylor, 21, of Detroit — had prior issues with the late younger brother of a person in the other group, Tyjaune
Pierre Morris-Turner. As Taylor approached the Jeep containing Morris-Turner, Morris-Turner got out of the Jeep with a gun at his side, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
An exchange of words led to pushing and punching as Taylor fought with Morris-Turner.
Cities will honor fallen veterans with Memorial Day parades, ceremonies
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
This Memorial Day, May 26, residents will have the opportunity to remember fallen soldiers through parades that both Roseville and Eastpointe will hold on the holiday.
Roseville
The Roseville Memorial Day parade on May 26 will begin at 10 a.m. at Roseville High School, 17855 Common Road. The route will travel east toward the Roseville Fire Department headquarters at 18750 Common Road. After the parade, a ceremony will be held in the City Hall complex, 29777 Gratiot Ave. Volunteers Matt Belz, Giannine Thomson and Laurie Whitton compose the Roseville Memorial Day Parade Committee. This year’s grand marshal is radio disc jockey Doug Podell, of WLLZ. Belz knew Podell when they worked together at WRIF.
“The grand marshal’s function is to draw publicity to the parade,” Belz said. “He was gracious enough to accept the invitation. To this day he’s an extremely popular on-air personality on WLLZ.” Belz said that about 30 participants have registered so far for the parade. There is still time to participate. Forms are available at
Lakylia Taylor Dejuan Taylor
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Roseville Police Honor Guard pays its respects.
See MEMORIAL DAY on page 17A
See SHOOTING on page 13A
Man who allegedly assaulted Roseville teen charged with kidnapping, assaulting second teen
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — A Northville man, who was already facing charges for sexually assaulting a teenage girl, has new charges for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a second teenage girl.
Charles Laurence Willis, 22, allegedly started dating a 15-year-old Roseville girl in 2023, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. Willis told the girl and her mother that he was 16 years old, according to the Prosecutor’s Office. The release states that Willis and the girl had
sexual intercourse several times before it was discovered Willis was 21 years old at the time.
For this, Willis was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. Each count carries a sentence of up to 15 years. These counts are Tier III offenses reportable under the
Sex Offender Registration Act. Willis was arraigned in January in 39th District Court and a $5,000 personal bond was set by a visiting judge.
Willis was arrested, while out on the personal bond, by Northville Township police April 27 for allegedly kid-
Kantner time capsule opened after 25 years
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — Toward the end of 1999, when there was talk of Y2K and what the future would look like in the 2000s and beyond, the Kantner Elementary School community found a way to immortalize the time period.
Students and staff filled a 3-foot-long time capsule with a number of items that were a staple of the 1990s. Amanda (Maggetti) Brownell was a fifth grader at Kantner when her dad Sam Maggetti designed and made the time capsule with PVC piping. The container was buried into the ground the same evening the school held a ceremony
Willis
RIGHT: Amanda (Maggetti) Brownell reads a letter she wrote as a fifth grader that described the music and entertainment from 1999. The letter was among the newspapers, school pennants, Beanie Babies and cassette tapes found in a time capsule buried 25 years ago. ABOVE: Eastpointe City Council Mayor Pro Tem Cardi DeMonaco Jr. finds his brother Adam’s name on a T-shirt signed by elementary school students in October 1999. Photos by Liz Carnegie
by Patricia O’Blenes
SALMON FIND NEW HOME IN LAKE ST. CLAIR
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP/ROSEVILLE
— About 75 salmon were released to their new home in Lake St. Clair on May 2 by the three fifth grade classes from Green Elementary School in Roseville Community Schools.
The students released the fish at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township. As waves crashed against the shore in the day sail area, students used plastic cups to release the fish into the water. Some got their feet wet during the process. While the air was a bit cool, the sun was peeking out.
This school year, students in Christopher Kawiecki’s class raised the salmon after being selected as one of 40 recipients of the Salmon in the Classroom grant through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The students took care of Chinook salmon in an aquarium inside the classroom. The students were responsible for caring for the fish, watching them hatch, feeding them and testing the water quality. They began with 150 salmon eggs, and half of them survived. The fish are expected to grow to 2 feet in length.
“I want to teach them the life cycle of Michigan species,” Kawiecki said. “This is something you can find right in your own backyard.”
During the different lessons in the classroom, students did book work that the DNR provided. They learned about the life cycle of fish, and the lessons incorporated mathematics, social studies, English and science.
The students had to determine the pH balance, temperature, alkalinity and more of the water.
Kawiecki charted the water quality and gave regular reports to the state’s DNR. Chassidy Hobbs was among the students who helped take care of the fish in class.
“You had to feed the fish and change the water,” Hobbs said. “We got to look at them and observe them to make sure they weren’t upside down.”
There was plenty of excitement among the students as the fish swam away on release day.
Noah Hussey, a student in Jake Houghton’s class, had to guide one of the fish to make sure it got into the water.
“I felt the fish,” Hussey said. “It’s slimy and slippery. I got used to it.”
Hussey has fished before, catching bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish. He finds fishing relaxing.
After releasing the fish, the students and teachers headed over to the metropark’s nature center where they got a look at turtles, a blue-spotted salamander, stuffed owls, stuffed hawks and more.
“I love the turtles. They just look really cool,” Kendyl Coleman said. “I didn’t like touching the snake’s skin.”
The students also went on a nature walk to view different ecosystems and learn about the wetlands and swamps in the area. Students viewed muskrats, baby geese, swans, ducks and a bald eagles nest.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Photo
Green Elementary fifth grade teacher Christopher Kawiecki carries Chinook salmon in pails so the students can release them into Lake St. Clair.
NEWS & NOTES
SHOP FOR BARGAINS AT WEEKEND SALE
ROSEVILLE — The Friends of the Roseville Public Library will hold a renovation sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16-17. The sale will help clear out the building before renovations begin this summer. The following items will be for sale: furniture, used books and movies, tables, chairs, decorations, artwork, shelving, seasonal decorations, toys, and more.
Only cash will be accepted. Items will be sold as-is on a first-come, firstserved basis. No exchanges or refunds. Items must be removed from the building at the time of purchase. Buyers are responsible for the transportation of any purchased items.
The sale will be held in the main library, located in the City Hall complex at 29777 Gratiot Ave.
RARE EVENTS COMING UP
ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe is accepting registration for two different events coming up in June.
“Donuts with Grown-ups” will be held from 10 a.m. until noon June 7 at Spindler Park, 19400 Stephens Road in Eastpointe. Registration is not required, and the event is free. There will be crafts.
Families will take each other on in “Nerf Wars” from 6 to 8 p.m. June 24 at Shamrock Park, 23001 Lexington Ave. in Eastpointe. The fee is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. Participants must register by June 20 as spots are limited.
In case of inclement weather, both events will be held indoors at the RARE center, located at 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville. For more information, visit rare-mi.org, or call (586) 445-5480.
VOLUNTEER FROM ROSEVILLE ACKNOWLEDGED
STUDENT ART SHOW MAY 14
EASTPOINTE — An art exhibition will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. May 14 in the media center at Eastpointe High School, 15501 Couzens Ave. The show, open to the public, will feature art from students in grades 9-12.
DETROIT — Siena Literacy Center, of Detroit, recently hosted a Volunteer Awards Ceremony at the North Rosedale Park Community House. Several volunteers were honored, including Angel Bender, of Roseville, a one-year volunteer, who was honored with the Rising Volunteer of the Year Award.
Siena Literacy Center provides education programs for adults seeking to improve their life skills through the learning foundations of reading, writing, math and English as a second language. Since 2023, it has partnered with Detroit at Work to provide
LIBRARY EVENTS
EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Memorial Library, 15875 Oak Ave., invites the public to the following events.
“61 Years Later: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy” will be held at 6 p.m. May 22.
“A History of Vernors” will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 29.
For more information, call (586) 445-5096.
KIWANIS CLUB TURNS 100
EASTPOINTE — Kiwanis of Eastpointe, which is part of Kiwanis International, is turning 100 years old this month. The charity, which raises money to help children, will celebrate its 100-year anniversary from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 14 at the Eastpointe Memorial Library, 15875 Oak Ave.
The public is welcome to attend the celebration. There will be light refreshments, and everyone will receive a free raffle ticket to try to win gift cards and a hoverboard. People who bring nonperishable food to be delivered to local food banks will get an additional raffle ticket. The Eastpointe chapter formed May 16, 1925.
educational services to students in the Learn to Earn and JumpStart programs. Siena serves learners from 30 different countries, including learners in Africa (17), the Middle East (five), North America (five, including the United States), South America (one) and Southeast Asia (two).
Siena’s main location is on the Christ the King Campus in Northwest Detroit, with additional space for English as a second language classes at the St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center, also in Detroit.
File photo by Maria Allard
Photos provided by Roseville Public Library
Roseville approves budget for 2025-26 fiscal year, officers receive badges
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — The City Council passed Roseville’s budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which starts on July 1 and ends June 30, at its April 22 meeting.
Councilwoman Colleen McCartney and Councilman Kurmmell Knox were excused from the meeting.
Roseville Controller John Walters provided a presentation of the budget at the meeting, showing an overview of the city’s general fund, property tax revenue, state-shared revenues, general fund expenditures and community development block grant funding. The presentation showed trends to provide context for the current budget. Roseville Mayor Robert Taylor thanked Walters for the presentation.
“I know back in 2020 we were in dire need,” Taylor said. “We almost had the state of Michigan coming in and running our city. But, we put our heads together with our employees. I know the employees took some cuts and we did some budget adjustments and we’re back above the water now.”
Assessed value in the city is expected to continue its upward climb from a drop-off from 2010 to 2014, which Walters attributed to the housing market crash. Property tax revenue has been increasing since 2021 and is expected to be at $26,427,950 for 2026, though Walters said the upward trend is expected to level off.
“I’m assuming once inflation gets under control that property tax revenue will start leveling off because that CPI (consumer price index) will go back down,” Walters said in an interview after the meeting.
While Walters said the city’s state-shared revenue has improved in recent years — it’s at $6,285,000 for 2026 — it still hasn’t hit the high water mark of 2001. According to a chart
See BUDGET on page 14A
The total revenue expected for the fiscal year is $47,420,092, which is up about $1.5 million from last year. Fifty-six percent of the city’s revenue comes from property taxes, which are expected to bring in $26,427,950 with administrative fees. Other revenue — charges for services, the highway reimbursement fund, federal grants, state grants, local grants, and licenses and permits — account for 18% of the city’s projected revenue.
Firefighters step
it up for
the American Lung Association
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
DETROIT — First responders from the Eastpointe and Roseville fire departments got fired up May 4 when they participated in the Fight For Air Climb at Comerica Park.
Participants climbed 2,000 stairs inside the stadium to raise money for the American Lung Association. Team members received
donations from friends, family, local businesses and community groups to benefit the nonprofit organization.
The eight participating Eastpointe firefighters included Fire Chief Jason Clark, Sgt. Matt Sahr and firefighters/paramedics Johnny Jebbo, Matt Sucharski, Andy Pounders, Evan Cloninger, Dominic Rossetti and Chris Babcock. Sucharski climbed the stairs the quickest with a time of 22 minutes and 8 seconds.
See LUNG on page 15A
Photo provided by Keith Jacobs
Roseville firefighters, from left, Brandon Urban, Danielle Doering, Jessica Krali and Joshua Linkewitz take a moment for a photograph after climbing the stairs at Comerica Park, in downtown Detroit, during the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb.
Photo provided by Jason Clark Eastpointe firefighters, from left, Chris Babcock, Andy Pounders, Johnny Jebbo, Evan Cloninger, Dominic Rossetti, Sgt. Matt Sahr, firefighter Matt Sucharski and Fire Chief Jason Clark raised $2,600 in the Fight For Air Climb at Comerica Park May 4.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES NEW SELFRIDGE FIGHTER MISSION
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — During a stop in Macomb County on April 29, President Donald Trump announced that Selfridge Air National Guard Base would receive a new mission with 21 “brand new” F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets.
Announced at Selfridge alongside state and federal officials to an audience of Michigan National Guard members and press, the F-15EX jets will replace the aging and outgoing A-10 Thunderbolt II jets as the base’s offensive mission. The planes are expected to arrive at the base in fiscal year 2028, according to the Department of Defense.
“Well, I guess they think we’re going to save this place,” Trump said to begin his speech at the base. “And you know what? They’re right. A hundred percent right. We’re going to save it and make it better, actually.”
Finding a new fighter mission for the base to replace the A-10 mission has been a priority for Michigan officials in recent years. The state switched its focus to securing an F-15EX mission for the base in 2023 after failing to secure an F-35 Lightning II mission.
More at candgnews.com
Whitmer celebrates Selfridge gains in Macomb address Supporters, protesters gather to mark Trump’s 100th day
U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, described the F-15EX as “the airframe (Selfridge officials) saw the highest likelihood of gaining” and worked to get additional funding for F-15EX production into a draft version of the 2024 federal budget.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was in attendance to greet Trump when he arrived at Selfridge on April 29, pledged to fund a northward expansion of Selfridge’s runway and approved a $13 million allocation to do so in the state’s 2023 budget.
“Since day one, I’ve been laser-focused on securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge and supporting the brave service members who step up for our communities every day,” Whitmer said via press release. “I appreciate the President’s partnership on this new fighter mission that will protect jobs and show the world that Michigan is the best place to pioneer the next innovations in national defense. Because of our tireless work with partners on the ground in Macomb County and
on both sides of the aisle, the future of Selfridge is bright, lasting and secure. I’ll keep working with anyone to get things done on
the kitchen-table issues and make a real difference for Michigan families.”
Photo provided by Michigan National Guard
President Donald Trump delivers an announcement before members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base on April 29. Trump said the base would receive 21 F-15EX fighter jets in the coming years, fulfilling a goal of Michigan officials to maintain a fighter mission after the A-10 Thunderbolt II is retired.
See SELFRIDGE on page 15A
Budget
he showed at the meeting, the lost revenue totals $31.9 million.
The city’s expenditures total $47,420,092. The single biggest cost in the budget is for police at 29.7%, $14,073,975, followed by fire at 16.2%, $7,662,484. On a pie chart showed by Walters, a category listed as “other” accounts for 32.6% of costs or $15,449,069. “Other” describes a range of city costs from planning to sanitation. Walters said the costs showed an increase of 3.3% from last year. He said the city budgeted for an $800,000 surplus.
“When property taxes go up more than what our wages are for contracts, we’re set up for a surplus,” he said.
Walters said some contracts are set up to be ratified, so this surplus may go away in the future.
Since a low in 2021, the city’s general fund balance has continued its upward trend and is expected to be at $16,706,662 by 2026. At the end of the last fiscal year the fund was at $14,462,312.
In 2029, Walters expects the fund balance to start decreasing. Walters said inflation, the city’s contracts and a leveling off of property tax increases is expected to negatively impact the fund balance.
CDBG funds totaled $545,000 for the fiscal year, which is up $15,000 from last year. In the final breakdown, $30,000 for the minor home repair program was reallocated. The $30,000 went to two places: $20,000 for city hall bathroom improvements and $10,000 for code enforcement.
Jim Gammicchia, administrative services specialist, Roseville Community and Economic Development Department, said the home repair program was no longer possible, so the funds were moved.
“It’s been tough, I was really hoping we could do it,” he said after the meeting.
Gammicchia said Macomb County had previously provided the service but, when the county found it wasn’t able to meet federal regulations, it had to stop offering Roseville the service. He said the city did not currently have the resources to provide the service inhouse.
However, there are alternatives. Macomb Community Action provides some of the same services for county residents. More information about these programs can be found at macomb gov.org/departments/macomb-communityaction or by calling (586) 469-6999.
Gammicchia said all subrecipients, like St. Vincent de Paul and Maggie’s Wig’s 4 Kids of Michigan, were 100% funded based on their requests this year.
“There will likely be some tweaking numbers for dollars and cents here and there, but I
don’t foresee any of the subrecipient allocations changing unless there’s a drastic decrease in our funding,” he said.
Police officers receive badges
At the April 22 meeting, officers from the Roseville Police Department received their badges. The new officers include Allyson Ruppel, Connor Bergeron, Nicholas Stachowski, Kellen Przywara and Mitchell Ernatt. All the officers are currently assigned to the night shift.
In order to receive their badges, officers had to get through a year of probation, completing their field training with the department.
“Basically, learn how to do the job,” Police Chief Mitch Berlin said. “You go to the police academy, that teaches you the book work and gives you the basic tools. Then you come to the department, we have field training officers that teach them the job and get them out on the street.”
Berlin described getting the badges as “tough.” He explained the ceremony was especially unusual this year because four of the new officers were getting pinned by legacy members of departments in the region.
Stachowski’s father served with the Clinton Township Police Department, Bergeron’s father put in time with the St. Clair Shores Police Department, Ernatt’s father is currently an officer with Roseville’s department and Przywara’s father was with Eastpointe’s department.
Berlin singled out Ruppel, saying that the department rarely gets officers from Oakland County.
“She’s phenomenal on the street,” Berlin said. “She’s what we want every officer to be:
the nicest person in the world, but you can turn it up when you have to.”
The department promoted Justin Thorngate and Alex Witan to the rank of sergeant, and Thomas Trewhella and Justin Forrest to lieutenant.
Berlin also recognized Doreen Powell for her service as a crossing guard at Roseville Community Schools for over a decade. She fractured her hand this year when directing kids across the road, according to Berlin. Powell is also a lunch room supervisor.
“We’re very pleased that Doreen has chosen to stay with us as long as she has,” he said. “We’re here to recognize her for outstanding service to the city of Roseville Police Department as well as Roseville Community Schools.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
CITY OF EASTPOINTE NOTICE TO FILE PETITIONS FOR OFFICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions for candidates seeking nomination for the following offce are now available for the November General Election: CITY COUNCIL (2) (four-year term)
Candidates may fle petitions with the City Clerk’s Offce at Eastpointe City Hall: 23200 Gratiot Avenue, on or before 4:00 o’clock p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Pursuant to City Charter, Chapter IV; Section 5: A Statement of Candidacy, therewith the Filing of Nominating Petitions shall be signed by not less than one hundred (100) nor more than two hundred (200) qualifed and registered electors of the City of Eastpointe.
Nominating City Council Petition Packets are available at the City Clerk’s Offce.
KINDLY BE ADVISED, that petition forms are currently available at the City Clerk’s Offce, Monday-Thursday, from 8:00 o’clock a.m. to 4:30 o’clock p.m.
FILING DEADLINE: JULY 22, 2025 by 4:00 o’clock p.m.
Withdrawal deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025 by 4:00 o’clock p.m.
Please contact the Clerk’s Offce for any questions/concerns at 586.204.3019
Robin R. Underwood Deputy City Clerk
Published: Eastsider 05/14/2025
Roseville police officer Connor Bergeron gets his badge pinned on by his daughter.
Screenshots from the Roseville City Council meeting broadcast
Roseville Police Chief Mitch Berlin speaks at the department’s badge pinning ceremony at the Roseville City Council’s April 22 meeting.
Prosecutor charges paraprofessional for allegedly assaulting student with shoe
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — A former Forest Park Elementary School paraprofessional is facing a misdemeanor assault and battery charge after she allegedly struck a student on the head with the child’s shoe.
On May 9, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office issued a press release that said Kimberley Horen, 53, was charged with assaulting a first-grade student. The Eastpointe resident was charged with one count of assault and battery, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. Forest Park is part of Eastpointe Community Schools.
“As a trusted educator, the defendant had a responsibility to provide a safe and focused
Lung
from page 11A
As a team, they raised $2,600 that will in turn help individuals with respiratory diseases.
Roseville firefighters/paramedics Danielle Doering and Jessica Krali, and probationary firefighters Joshua Linkewitz and Brandon Urban successfully finished the route to raise $495 in donations. As they climbed their way to the top, each firefighter wore turnout gear and a helmet and carried a self-contained breathing apparatus.
The American Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advoca-
Selfridge
Local officials were quick to applaud the announcement with both Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, a Democrat, and Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, a Republican from Harrison Township, releasing statements of support.
“This is the best possible outcome, better than either F-16 or F-35,” Miller said via press release. “The F-15EX is a refurbishment of the F-15, a major overhaul/upgrade that just entered the active inventory in 2024, so it will be around for a long time, and it is an extremely important mission. It can be configured for air-to-air or air-toground operation … With the F-15EX, plus
learning environment for students. Instead, she violated that trust,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in the press release. “This behavior is unacceptable, and we are committed to pursuing justice to ensure that such misconduct has no place in our schools.”
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said that on or about Oct. 18, 2024, a parent reported her 6-year-old son, who has autism, was assaulted by a member of the staff at Forest Park.
“It is alleged that Kimberley Horen, a paraprofessional in the school, took the child’s shoe off and then deliberately struck the child on the head with it,” the press release states.
Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish offered a comment on the case.
“The Eastpointe Police Department always takes any allegations of child abuse or child assault very seriously, and investigates those claims diligently. Our findings are then
cy and research. The nonprofit organization works to defeat lung cancer, improve air quality, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.
According to the American Lung Association, respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters. While on duty, they may experience occupational exposure to gases, chemicals, particulates and other substances with potentially damaging short- and long-term effects on the respiratory system.
For more information on the American Lung Association, visit lung.org.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
the KC-46s that are in the pipeline for us, the Michigan Air National Guard will be playing a major role in national defense for decades.”
Hackel’s comments in a press release reflected the bipartisan nature of the campaign to bring a new fighter mission to the nearly 110-year-old base.
“It’s fitting that a coalition of this size and scope rallied around Macomb County to help uplift Selfridge,” Hackel said. “This effort went beyond partisanship, and united us in the mission to protect our hometown airbase. I want to personally thank President Trump, Governor Whitmer, the servicewomen and servicemen at Selfridge and all of our military and civilian partners who were engaged in these conversations.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
always turned over to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges, if any,” he said. “We appreciate the transparency of the school that reported the incident and started our investigation, and we also appreciate the pursuit of the truth by our detectives who were assigned to the case.”
The Prosecutor’s Office in the press release said that the employee was allowed to resign, but the school district said that is not the case.
“The paraprofessional was placed on an
immediate leave while an internal investigation was conducted and was terminated once that investigation was complete,” Eastpointe Community Schools Communications and Marketing Coordinator Caitlyn Kienitz said. “We have high expectations of our employees, and we absolutely do not accept that kind of behavior in Eastpointe Community Schools.”
Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski contributed to this report.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Horen
napping a 14-year-old girl and sexually assaulting her for two days.
“Through the course of an investigation, detectives determined that Willis had contacted the 14-year-old female victim through the social media platform Snapchat,” a press release from Northville Township police states. “He then arranged and paid for an Uber to bring the juvenile — who resides approximately two hours west of Northville Township — to his home.”
The release states that the girl Willis allegedly took captive was found walking alone in the area of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads in Northville prior to the arrest on April 27.
“The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office immediately filed an emergency motion to increase Willis’s bond to keep him in custody,” the release from the Prosecutor’s Office states.
Willis is facing multiple charges in 35th District Court, which serves Northville Township, including one count of kidnapping, six counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, one count of child sexually abusive commercial activity and one count of enticing a female under 16 years old for immoral purposes. All of these charges are felonies.
Any one of the six CSC charges could have a sentence of up to life in prison. The kidnapping charge could also be punishable with a sentence of up to life in prison. The penalty for the child sexually abusive commercial activity charge would depend on the content found. The enticement charge could carry a penalty of four years or a fine of not more than $4,000 or both.
He was arraigned in 35th District Court April 30 by Judge Michael J. Gerou, who set Willis’ bond at $1 million. He’s currently housed in the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center’s Adult Detention Facility.
Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia approved the motion from the prosecuting attorney to increase Willis’ bond, putting it at $250,000 cash or surety. Willis has to wear a steel cuff GPS tether if his bond is posted.
Willis’ attorney, Cy M. Abdo, filed a motion to withdraw as Willis’ attorney, which was granted by Toia May 5. Abdo explained his withdrawal stemmed from a change in circumstances in the case that spread across multiple jurisdictions. Abdo, who was hired on retainer, added that Willis’ financial situation made having a court-appointed attorney the right choice. Willis has not been assigned an attorney from the Macomb County Office of Public Defender yet, according to a representative from the office.
Nicole Lynette James, Willis’ attorney for the case in 35th District Court, did not respond to a request for comment at press time.
Willis is scheduled for a pretrial conference at 8:30 a.m. May 22 before Toia in circuit court. Willis will appear in 35th District Court May 9 in front of Gerou and on May 16 in front of Judge James A. Plakas.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Memorial Day
from page 1A
rosevillememorialdayparade.com. For more information, email rsvlmiparade@gmail. com.
Most participants are returning from previous years, including the Macomb County Sheriff’s Mounted Division and Van’s Towing.
“The Midwest Jeep Junkies always have a bunch, and the school marching bands, they’re always really awesome,” Belz said.
Belz said some new participants registered this year, including the Perfect Gentlemen’s Club charity, Sittin’ Pretty Pet Spa, the Roseville Eagles Wrestling Club and state Rep. Mai Xiong, D-Warren, who represents the 13th District, which includes Roseville, the eastern part of Warren, and parts of St. Clair Shores.
While putting on the annual parade is a lot of work, “It’s so worth it to go down Common and see the kids smiling and the kids waving,” Belz said.
His favorite part of the morning is the ceremony at City Hall. Dan Heaton, senior master sergeant, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, will be the guest speaker.
“We honor all of the Roseville soldiers that have passed in combat,” Belz said. “We display photos. About 30 residents killed in active duty are honored. That’s going back to all the wars.”
Eastpointe
The Eastpointe Memorial Day parade also will be on May 26. It will begin at 11 a.m. at the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road, east of Gratiot Avenue, and end with
a closing ceremony at Spindler Park, 19400 Stephens.
The nonprofit Association of Community, Fraternal & Veterans Organizations organizes and funds the parade, including the costs of police and Department of Public Works employees and advertising.
“It’s a great family event,” said ACFVO Secretary Sarah Lucido, also Macomb County Commissioner, D-District 13, which represents Eastpointe, Warren and the southern part of St. Clair Shores. “We have been working hard to grow and make it better every year. It’s nice that kids can get out and see people from the community. It really highlights our community and businesses from Eastpointe.”
State Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe; the Eastpointe Fire Department; the Eastpointe Lions Club; and members of the Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education are expected to walk in the parade among many other organizations and businesses. Lucido said this year’s parade grand marshal is Eastpointe resident Tyrone Rayford.
“He will be the leading car in the parade,” Lucido said. “We always try to find someone who was active in the military.”
The closing ceremony at Spindler Park will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. There are plans for Lucido to emcee the event and Mayor Michael Klinefelt to address the attendees. The Odd Fellows Eastwood Lodge No. 496 will host a hot dog picnic.
Donors who would like to support the parade can make a $25 donation to help cover parade expenses. To be a community supporter, visit acfvo.com/donate. Anyone interested in participating can visit acfvo. com/app.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
The 2024 Eastpointe Memorial Day Parade is led by vehicles from the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum. File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
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