Detroit man convicted in mass shooting that followed argument over vehicle blocking driveway

2024-12-25 11:01:43 source:lotradecoin low trading fees advantage category:Scams

DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit man was convicted Wednesday of fatally shooting two people and wounding six others during an argument that started over a vehicle blocking his driveway.

A jury found Winston Kirtley Jr. guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, six counts of assault with intent to murder and 10 counts of using a firearm during a felony, Wayne County prosecutors said in a statement.

The shooting in which Toyake Thirkeild, 39, and Andre Willis, 38, were killed took place July 31, 2022.

Kirtley, who faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, testified Tuesday that he was going to exercise about 2:30 a.m. and an SUV was blocking his driveway, The Detroit News reported.

Willis and Thirkeild were in the vehicle. Kirtley said he asked Willis three times to move it, according to the newspaper.

Kirtley said Willis responded by saying “What?” several times.

“He pulled out a black pistol and pointed it at me, and I went to my house and grabbed my gun,” Kirtley testified. “I was scared and confused of him shooting me. I came back out and shot the Durango. I felt my life was in danger.”

Kirtley also said he heard gunshots from across the street before he retrieved his assault-style rifle and began firing. He said he shot 16 times at Willis and Thirkeild, and another three times at two other men.

RELATED COVERAGE Man shot to death outside mosque as he headed to pray was a 43-year-old Philadelphia resident Illinois sheriff, whose deputy killed Sonya Massey apologizes: ‘I offer up no excuses’ Australian police officer recalls 2022 ambush by extremists in rural area that left 2 officers dead

Defense attorney James Schlaff told the jury that his client believed he was about to be harmed or killed when he saw Willis with a gun.

But Assistant Prosecutor James Kehoe said during closing arguments that there was no evidence Willis had a gun. Kehoe also said a slug struck a neighbor’s home before one of the men who was wounded began shooting at Kirtley, according to The Detroit News.

“This gun is being shot at everyone because this is a mass shooting,” Kehoe said. “He meant to pull that trigger and he meant to do it at least 19 times. He wasn’t threatened. He wasn’t provoked.”

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 4.

More:Scams

Recommend

Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown

Diamonds are made under pressure, and Chiquis is ready to sparkle.The Mexican American singer-songwr

Want to Elect Climate Champions? Here’s How to Tell Who’s Really Serious About Climate Change

For U.S. voters who care deeply about climate change, the 2022 elections are about more than control

Indigenous Tribes Facing Displacement in Alaska and Louisiana Say the U.S. Is Ignoring Climate Threats

WASHINGTON—About 31 Native Alaskan communities face imminent climate displacement from flooding and