KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Two men from Battle Creek have now been formally charged in connection with April 12 shooting death of security guard Montine Wiley April 12 at a party at a club on East North Street in Kalamazoo.
18-year-old Kaiden Tanner Cole was arraigned Friday on an Open Murder charge, as well as Felony Firearm and Carrying a Concealed Weapon charges.
22 year-old Damonte Christopher Jenkins-Gooden is being charged with Tampering with Evidence in the case.
Cole was denied bond, while Jenkins-Gooden received a $10,000 cash/surety bond.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety says Cole ultimately turned himself in after feeling the mounting pressure from the investigation, widespread news coverage, and continued attention on social media surrounding Wiley’s death.
Wiley was working as a security guard during a large event at a business in the 400 block of East North Street when an altercation occurred involving a patron attempting to enter the venue. During that confrontation, Wiley was fatally shot. The incident took place shortly before 11:00 p.m.
“These were not Kalamazoo residents. Mr. Cole came here and brought violence into our community,” said Captain Danielle Guilds, head of the Criminal Investigations Division. “I’m incredibly proud of the tireless work by our detectives and the overwhelming support from the community. Because of their combined efforts, we were able to identify those responsible and make arrests within a week of the incident.”
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