Man acquitted of murder in Macomb County apartment shooting

An Eastpointe man has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 death of a Chesterfield Township man during a physical altercation and struggle over a weapon.

A Macomb County jury on Friday acquitted Dejon A. Drake of the most serious charge and convicted him of the lesser offenses of firearm possession and carrying a concealed weapon after a three-day trial before Judge James Maceroni.

Drake fatally shot Olufemi “Louis” Stafford, 27, July 29, 2023, at the Aspen Creek Apartments on 23 Mile Road during an argument over Drake being kicked out of Stafford’s apartment.

Drake testified that he shot Stafford in self-defense because he was afraid of him, said Drake’s attorney, Elisha Oakes.

The jury had to weigh Drake’s testimony against that of the only eyewitness, Stafford’s girlfriend, Oakes said.

“There were some discrepancies between what the physical evidence showed and what the eyewitness said,” Oakes said. “It wasn’t cut and dry. The jury had to evaluate each person’s statements and determine who they believed. They considered all the evidence and came to a good conclusion.”

At least 12 witnesses testified during the trial, including DNA experts from the Michigan State Police and troopers, Oakes said.

The gun used in the shooting belonged to Drake, but Stafford’s DNA was found on the trigger and trigger guard, indicating that Stafford had held the gun in one place.

Stafford’s girlfriend testified that Stafford initially threw Drake to the ground.

Olufemi Stafford (STAFFORD FAMILY PHOTO)

Drake and Stafford worked together at a nearby Taco Bell in the township.

Drake was homeless and Stafford allowed Drake to live in his apartment with Stafford’s girlfriend.

But according to Stafford’s mother, Drake began behaving inappropriately and Stafford told Drake he had to leave.

On the night of the shooting, Drake was in the common area of the apartment building after being removed because it was raining outside, Oakes said. But Stafford wanted Drake to leave the building immediately, which led to the confrontation.

Drake is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20 by Judge James Maceroni.

The firearm possession charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, and Oakes will seek probation for Drake on the CCW charge, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Drake has no criminal record, she said.

He will receive credit for the more than 14 months behind bars.

He remains held in the county jail.

Mother of the shooting victim: He paid for the good deed with his life

There is a murder charge in the shooting of Chesterfield Twp. Taco Bell colleague

Originally published: October 8, 2024 at 12:03 p.m

topicnews · October 8, 2024

Man acquitted of murder in Macomb County apartment shooting – The Oakland Press

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