Juvenile bound over on charges related to shooting at Partridge Creek Tree Lighting Ceremony

Mount Clemens, Mich. – Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 17-year-old King Payne, of Eastpointe, was bound over on charges related to a shooting which took place at a tree lighting ceremony at Partridge Creek Mall on November 23, 2025. Payne is charged as an adult.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, a Preliminary Exam for Payne was held before Judge Carrie Lynn Fuca of the 41B District Court in Clinton Township. At the conclusion of the Exam, Judge Fuca bound Payne over on the following charges: 

Count 1: Assault with Intent to Murder, a felony punishable by life or any term of years

Count 2: Weapons Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to main charge.

A charge of Assault with Intent to Murder against 17-year-old Christian Griffin, of Clinton Township, was dismissed following the exam. 

A third defendant, Terrence Brown, 18-years-old from Detroit, waived his Preliminary Exam. Brown is charged with being an Accessory After the Fact to a Felony, a 5-year felony.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Richard Nelson represented The People at the Preliminary Exam.

“When acts of violence threaten the safety of our neighborhoods and public gatherings, we will seek to hold those responsible accountable,” stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

It is alleged that on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Payne shot a victim four times in the torso during a tree lighting ceremony at Partridge Creek Mall in Clinton Township, Michigan. It is further alleged that Brown drove his vehicle to the mall, picked up Payne and gave him a ride home while knowing of the shooting allegedly committed by Payne. 

Payne and Brown will be arraigned before Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Sabaugh on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Payne remains in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens, Michigan on a $5 million bond. 

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the people of Macomb County.  We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan.  All defendants accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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