The Eagle

Canton man faces charges in fatal shooting of sister, 13

A Canton Township man has been arraigned on multiple criminal charges in the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old sister.

Jay-Veon McKinney, 23, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, firearm discharge with injury or death and felony firearm offenses following the shooting of his sister  July 29 at the Ridgeline Apartment complex, according to police reports. Canton police responded to a 911 call at 12:24 p.m. July 29, reporting a shooting at the apartment complex. A police vehicle responding to the shooting was involved in a crash at Cherry Hill and Lilley roads, police said.

First responders were on the scene within minutes and attempted life-saving procedures for the victim who died from gunshot injuries to her chest.

Police and Wayne County prosecutors allege McKinney was toying with two handguns in the presence of two minors when one of the weapons discharged, striking the teen. McKinney was taken into police custody at the scene according to reports. In a statement, the prosecutor’s office said the shooting resulted from gross negligence in handling a loaded firearm.

McKinney was arraigned Aug. 1 in 35th District Court where Judge James Plakas set his bond at $500,000 cash.  He will be required to wear a home confinement tether and not possess any weapons. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 14.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office authorized the charges following a review of the evidence and determined the defendant’s actions constituted gross negligence in unsafely handling a loaded firearm.

“The alleged actions of the defendant were dangerous and criminal,” Worthy said in a prepared statement. “Overwhelmingly, most people do not want their loved ones to lose their lives. Their actions can make that a reality. We will keep pushing this message because this child’s death was completely preventable.”

The name of the victim has not been released by officials.