Mt. Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 54-year-old James Beattie, of Macomb Township, MI, was arraigned on a charge of violating Michigan’s Safe Storage law.
It is alleged that on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, Macomb County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Macomb Township, MI. A minor was in the residence suffering serious injury from a gunshot wound. The minor passed away after several days in the hospital. It is alleged that Beattie owned the firearm and that it had been left unsecured in the residence with the knowledge that a minor was present on the premises.
On December 16, 2025, Beattie was arraigned before Magistrate Christopher Alayan in the 41A District Court in Shelby Township, MI on a charge of Firearms – Safe Storage Violations – Premises Under Individual’s Control – Minor Present and Inflicted Death Upon Self or Another. This charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Magistrate Alayan set a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. Any firearms or ammunition in Beattie’s possession must be surrendered to police. He is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Stephen S. Sierawski at the 41A District Court in Shelby Township.
“This is a profoundly sobering situation. My prayers are with the child and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
“Michigan’s Safe Storage of Firearms law exists to prevent tragedies such as youth suicide and gun violence, and my office has worked diligently to educate the public on its requirements. When firearms are kept in a home where minors may be present, the law requires that they be secured in a locked safe or rendered inoperable with a gun lock.”
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office’s campaign “Safe gun storage saves lives” has been promoted throughout the county since September 2025. Please visit the Office’s website at www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office to learn about the Safe Storage law and its requirements.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
