Frederick Coleman Jr. Obituary: Arrest of Third Suspect Brings New Developments in the Tragic Killing of 20-Year-Old Detroit Man in Melvindale, as Community Seeks Justice for Senseless Act of Gun Violence
20-Year-Old Kyren Harris from Van Buren Township Arraigned on First-Degree Murder Charges; Joins Two Other Suspects in May Shooting of Frederick Coleman Jr. During Fatal Car Attack in Melvindale
Melvindale, MI – In a tragic case that continues to send shockwaves through Detroit and surrounding communities, 20-year-old Frederick Coleman Jr. lost his life on a spring evening in May, when a shooting erupted in Melvindale, claiming the life of a young man just beginning his adulthood. After a lengthy investigation, the latest development in this case saw the arraignment of a third suspect, 20-year-old Kyren Harris of Van Buren Township, who was taken into custody and held on a $1 million bond. Harris joins two other men previously charged, as the prosecution builds its case against all three suspects, accusing them of first-degree murder in a deadly ambush that took Coleman’s life.
The case has highlighted the grim reality of gun violence in the area, leaving Coleman’s family and friends struggling to cope with their sudden and devastating loss. The three men now face charges with the potential for life sentences as the community rallies for justice for Frederick Coleman Jr.
An Overview of the Tragic Events on May 9
On the night of May 9, 2023, at approximately 9:50 p.m., police responded to calls reporting gunfire near the intersection of Outer Drive and Seaway in Melvindale, a quiet city often described as one of Detroit’s smaller neighboring communities. When officers arrived, they found a car parked at the scene with Coleman, the vehicle’s only occupant, seated in the driver’s seat and fatally injured. Police later revealed that Coleman had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities uncovered evidence suggesting that Coleman’s assailants had ambushed him, allegedly firing several rounds into his vehicle at close range. The exact details leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, but law enforcement officials have suggested that the attack appeared to be targeted rather than random. Police believe the suspects had purposefully approached Coleman’s vehicle and fired with the intent to kill.
The Three Defendants: Harris, Cox, and Curtis Harris
In the days and weeks following the tragedy, the Melvindale Police Department worked closely with other local agencies to piece together evidence and identify potential suspects. Their investigation first led them to Taiwan Antonelli Cox Jr., a 21-year-old resident of Detroit, and Curtis Damon Harris, 18, from Ecorse. Both Cox and Curtis Harris were taken into custody in July, facing charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm. Following their arraignment, the suspects were held without bond, awaiting further proceedings.
The third arrest came this month when police identified and apprehended Kyren Harris of Van Buren Township, who was arraigned and held on a $1 million bond. Harris’s arrest marked a significant development in the case, as prosecutors solidified their charges and prepared to build their case against the three men, each accused of contributing to the deadly attack on Coleman.
The charges of first-degree murder indicate that authorities believe the crime was premeditated, suggesting the defendants may have planned the shooting in advance. Under Michigan law, first-degree murder is among the most severe criminal charges, reserved for cases involving intentional, deliberate, and often calculated actions. Prosecutors in this case are expected to argue that each of the suspects actively participated in the planning and execution of the shooting.
The Investigation and Evidence Collection: Building the Case for Justice
Since the night of the shooting, law enforcement has worked diligently to uncover all possible evidence, coordinating with witnesses, collecting forensic evidence from the scene, and analyzing security footage from the surrounding area. The precise circumstances of how the defendants allegedly organized and executed the shooting remain unclear, but the prosecution believes it can demonstrate that the suspects conspired together to commit this violent crime.
Key pieces of evidence expected to be introduced include witness statements, bullet casings, and potentially surveillance footage. Police have not yet disclosed whether a weapon has been recovered, nor have they shared specific information on how they traced the crime to Cox, Curtis Harris, and Kyren Harris.
The use of firearms in the commission of a felony adds another layer of legal consequences to this case, with the inclusion of felony firearm charges against each defendant. In Michigan, felony firearm charges carry significant mandatory sentences, often served consecutively with other sentences if the defendants are found guilty.
The Judicial Process Begins: Arraignment, Bail, and Pre-Trial Hearings
The recent arraignment of Kyren Harris marks a critical step forward in the judicial process. With Harris now formally charged alongside Cox and Curtis Harris, the case has entered the phase where the court will begin holding pre-trial hearings to assess the evidence, hear preliminary arguments, and determine whether the charges should move forward to a full trial. The $1 million bond set for Harris reflects the serious nature of the charges and the perceived risk of releasing him into the community.
If the prosecution successfully argues for a trial, each of the three defendants will face the possibility of life sentences if convicted. During the trial, prosecutors will likely present evidence and witnesses to establish the intent and premeditation required to support a first-degree murder conviction. Defense attorneys for each suspect are expected to counter with their arguments, and each defendant retains the right to a fair and impartial trial.
Remembering Frederick Coleman Jr.: A Life Cut Short by Tragedy
Frederick Coleman Jr. was remembered by friends, family, and community members as a vibrant and promising young man whose life was tragically cut short. At only 20 years old, Coleman had his entire future ahead of him. His family described him as a joyful presence who cared deeply for those around him. The tragedy of his death has left a significant void in the lives of those who loved him and has reminded many of the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and their families.
In the weeks following his death, a memorial was established at the intersection where he was killed. Community members gathered to leave flowers, light candles, and write messages honoring Coleman’s life. His family continues to mourn his loss and has called for justice, hoping that the legal proceedings will ultimately provide some measure of accountability and closure.
A Community in Grief and Outrage: Calls to Address Gun Violence
The tragic circumstances surrounding Coleman’s death have left Melvindale residents and the broader Detroit community grappling with grief, anger, and a renewed sense of urgency around the issue of gun violence. Community leaders, activists, and local officials have spoken out, calling for greater efforts to reduce violence and address the underlying factors contributing to the rise in fatal shootings.
Melvindale’s Mayor and City Council have also expressed their condolences to Coleman’s family and pledged to work toward ensuring public safety. They have highlighted the need for improved community engagement and intervention programs aimed at preventing violent incidents and offering alternatives for youth who may be vulnerable to criminal activity.
Local anti-violence organizations and advocacy groups are using this incident as a platform to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence on communities. Many are calling for stricter gun control measures, increased resources for at-risk youth, and better access to mental health services, which they argue are essential components of a comprehensive approach to curbing violence.
A Larger Conversation: Systemic Issues and the Path Forward
Coleman’s death and the subsequent arrests of the suspects in his case bring to light the systemic issues related to gun violence, crime prevention, and the justice system’s role in addressing these problems. Many have pointed out that violence involving young adults has reached a critical level, with increasing numbers of young people being drawn into violent situations, either as perpetrators or victims.
In Michigan, the legal process for violent crimes such as first-degree murder is designed to be exhaustive and thorough. Prosecutors will likely take time to present a detailed case that explores the motives, evidence, and alleged roles of each suspect. This means that Coleman’s family, along with the community, will need to be patient as the legal system works through the complexities of this case.
Seeking Justice and Remembering the Victim: What Comes Next
As the court case against Kyren Harris, Taiwan Cox, and Curtis Harris moves forward, Coleman’s family and friends remain focused on seeking justice for the young man they lost. They are expected to attend hearings and may offer victim impact statements if the case reaches sentencing, providing them an opportunity to share with the court the profound impact of Coleman’s death.
The legal proceedings are likely to be lengthy, with numerous hearings, evidence presentations, and potential plea negotiations. As the prosecution works to secure convictions, the community will continue to follow the case closely, hoping for an outcome that delivers accountability and reinforces a commitment to addressing the root causes of such tragedies.
Conclusion: A Call for Change and a Community United in Mourning
Frederick Coleman Jr.’s untimely death at the hands of gun violence has underscored the urgent need for action against the senseless killings that continue to impact communities across Michigan and beyond. The arraignment of the three suspects offers a step toward justice, but for Coleman’s family, friends, and community, the journey to healing remains long and challenging.
As the case against Kyren Harris, Taiwan Cox, and Curtis Harris progresses, local leaders, activists, and everyday citizens are calling for stronger measures to prevent future tragedies. While the legal process moves forward, Coleman’s memory serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of life, the preciousness of time, and the urgent need to address violence in our communities.
