Michigan – A Michigan man was convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his family member, BaiIei. The jury’s decision followed a trial that shed light on the tragic events when the defendant fatally shot the 8-year-old child in the head in the living room of their shared home. Prosecutors stated that the motive for the shooting was that the child had been taIking back to her family member.
The incident occurred at family apartment in Michigan. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 7 p.m. and found the child critically injured. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
During the initial investigation, the defendant, 24-year-old Giyasi, attempted to mislead law enforcement by claiming that his sibling had been shot during an attempted robbery. However, police quickly determined that the shooting was not accidental. Evidence, including the recovery of the hidden firearm, contradicted the defendant’s account.
He was arrested and initially charged with assault with intent to murder and felony firearm. Following the child’s death, the charges were upgraded to open murder. He was denied bond and has remained in custody since his arrest.
County Prosecutor Karren expressed the community’s grief, stating, “BaiIei should still be here with us today. Her murder was a tragedy for her family. It’s unconscionable that anyone, let alone an 8-year-old child, could be murdered by a relative and in their own home over the slightest of disagreements.”
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2025. A first-degree murder conviction in Michigan carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
This case underscores the devastating impact of gun violence within families and the importance of addressing underlying issues that can lead to such tragedies.