Teens Charged As Adults In Macomb County Shopping Mall Shooting: Prosecutor

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Two 16-year-old boys are being charged as adults in connection with a shooting during a tree lighting ceremony at a metro Detroit shopping center months ago, according to prosecutors.

The shooting happened at 7:13 p.m. on Nov. 23 near the MJR Theater at the Partridge Creek Mall in Clinton Township, where a 17-year-old suffered non-fatal injuries, according to police.

King Payne, of Eastpointe, was charged with assault with intent to murder (felony up to life in prison) and felony firearm (2-year felony consecutive to main charge). He was placed at the Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens with a $5 million bond.

Christian Griffin, of Clinton Township, was charged with assault with intent to murder (felony up to life in prison). He was placed at the Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens with a $2 million bond.

Their next court date is scheduled for March 2.

Police said Griffin and the victim were involved in a physical altercation during a tree lighting ceremony at the mall.

Griffin contacted Payne, who traveled to the mall and shot the victim four times in the chest at Griffin's request, prosecutors said.

"On the night of the community tree-lighting ceremony, residents of all ages gathered for what should have been a joyful celebration. Instead, gunfire erupted, leaving one person seriously injured and causing justified fear throughout the community. My office takes this matter seriously. Our community will not tolerate gun violence," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said.