Dearborn police respond to a fatal shooting at Fairlane Town Center July 3.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
Two people were killed in a shooting at 1:25 p.m. July 3 at Fairlane Town Center, with another injured person hospitalized.
Dearborn police officials said it was not a random act of violence and there is no threat to the public.
On July 7 the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office charged two people, Cania Cain, 19, of Detroit and Martinez Long, 19, of Oak Park, with carrying a concealed weapon.
Prosecutors determined that the two people who died, Cameron Watkins, 19, and Keonte Seaborn, 19, both of Detroit, were the first to have drawn a firearm in the original confrontation. Watkins allegedly shot Seaborn with a weapon he took from Cain’s purse and continued to shoot recklessly in the public mall. Long then shot Watkins.
Prosecutors determined Long’s actions were carried out in defense of himself and others.
During a struggle, Watkins allegedly shot a third person, causing a non-fatal injury. That person was placed in custody at the hospital, and after treatment they were released when the Prosecutor’s Office decided not to press charges against them.
“Senseless gun violence continues to plague communities across the country,” Police Chief Issa Shahin said. “We are saddened by this entirely preventable tragedy but have to reiterate: We will expend all resources to keep our city safe and hold individuals responsible for dangerous behavior.”
He said the safety of residents and visitors is a top priority.
“Shootings and other acts of violence are entirely unacceptable, and we will hold everyone involved fully accountable,” Shahin said. “We thank our officers, our first responders, regional and federal law enforcement partners – including the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Michigan State Police – for their swift response to this serious incident.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has additional information is urged to call the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2240.