Two juveniles arraigned on charges related to shooting at Partridge Creek Tree Lighting Ceremony

Mount Clemens, MI – Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced today that two 16-year-old juveniles, King Payne, of Eastpointe, and Christian Griffin, of Clinton Township, were arraigned as adults on charges related to the shooting which took place at a tree lighting ceremony at Partridge Creek Mall on November 23, 2025. 

It is alleged that on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Griffin and the victim were involved in a physical altercation during a tree lighting ceremony at Partridge Creek Mall in Clinton Township, MI. Griffin contacted Payne, who traveled to the mall. Griffin directed Payne to the victim. Payne then shot the victim four times in the torso. 

After carefully examining all the available evidence including the severity of the allegations, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is charging Payne and Griffin as adults. 

An arraignment was held for both juveniles on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, before Magistrate Ryan Zemke at the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. 

Payne was charged with the following:

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

Griffin was charged with the following:

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

Magistrate Zemke set bond for Payne at $5 million cash/surety and for Griffin at $2 million cash/surety, with no 10-percent option permitted in either case. The court ordered both defendants to have no contact with the victim. Should bond be posted, each defendant will be placed on house arrest and required to wear a GPS tether. 

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Fred Bartolomei represented The People at the arraignment.

At this time, both Payne and Griffin remain in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens, MI.

Payne and Griffin are scheduled for Probable Cause Conferences on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Carrie Lynn Fuca at the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI.

“Charging a juvenile as an adult is not a decision made lightly. However, the severity of the allegations necessitated this action. Accountability is fundamental to justice, regardless of age, and my office has a duty to pursue this matter under the full weight of the law,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido following the arraignment.

“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. 

Prosecutor Lucido added, “It is through the diligence and cooperation of law enforcement — including the Clinton Township Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, and the Roseville Police Department — that the alleged perpetrators were identified and taken into custody. I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved.” 

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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