3 Men Charged In Deadly Oakland County Shooting: Sheriff

PONTIAC, MI — Three men have been charged in connection with a deadly Pontiac shooting earlier this month, according to sheriff's officials.

Police found 53-year-old Jethro Jackson, Jr. shot dead inside an apartment complex in the 30 block of Candlelite Lane on Aug. 4, according to officials.

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Police also found a 39-year-old Pontiac man suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand. He was taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital where he was treated and released, according to sheriff's officials.

"Deputies recovered multiple spent shell casings, and sheriff's office detectives and forensic investigators processed the scene," officials said.

Charles Andrew Black, 32; Eric Dangelo Matthews, 26; and Felix Lavell Washington, 35, were each charged in connection with the shooting.

Black and Matthews were each charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and three counts of felony firearm (third offense for Black, second offense for Matthews).

Washington is charged with first-degree premeditated murder and assault with intent to murder.

All three men were denied bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Sept. 1.

Officials noted that Black and Matthews were previously arrested together in a 2025 unrelated case for felony firearms charges.

They were each given a $5,000 bond with 10 percent, allowing their release upon posting $500, officials said.

"That case remains pending; however, their bonds were revoked in the wake of these charges," officials said.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the case represents a "troubling" trend of low bonds being issued in cases involving serious felony charges, especially those involving firearms and defendants with significant criminal histories.

"A year ago, I sounded the alarm that dangerously low bonds for individuals accused of serious felonies, particularly those involving guns and repeat offenders, could have devastating consequences" Bouchard said.

Bouchard said this case involves two people whom he warned were dangerous.

"Now, we have a tragic outcome that was preventable," Bouchard said.