Posted on Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Two brothers plead guilty in Ypsilanti Township shooting
By Lee Higgins
Two brothers pleaded guilty this morning to charges in connection with a January shooting in Ypsilanti Township that left a man injured, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department spokesman Derrick Jackson said.
James Chandler and Rico Chandler
James Willard Chandler, 42, pleaded guilty to felonious assault and Rico Montez Chandler, 35, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in front of Washtenaw County Circuit Judge Melinda Morris.
They had been accused of shooting a man they know in the arm about 7:15 p.m. Jan. 29 in the 1000 block of McCarthy Court.
The victim suffered non life-threatening injuries.
It's unclear what led up to the shooting.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.
"It's unclear what led up to the shooting." - let me say that, in my time, I've seen cases where the police "understood" the reason for certain "illegal acts" up to and including "felonies." I don't want to debate the objections to or merits of "personal justice" but this may be one of those times when it's actually better for the "victim" to have received that kind of justice. Who knows - and if anyone thinks they do, they've got a lot to learn about real life. What RJA says: one wonders if the victim has a rap sheet, meaning it he has a record of "bad behaviors" which the sheriff's deputies and prosecutor know about. If he has a "bad record" with sheriff's deputies, then they won't be inclined to "help him" much. What I see is: two photos showing no stress or anger or any kind of negative emotions and - I see two guys pleading guilty to what they know will bring less severe penalties than the original charges. The prosecutor - just might - know what he's doing by letting these two alleged "killers" get off easily.
Sallyxyz
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
Someone please explain: How is pointing a gun at someone and shooting them, but not killing them, felonious assault and aggravated assault? Why is there no mention of use of a deadly weapon in the charges? Does it matter that they all knew each other? Why aren't thugs charged with the actual crimes they commit?
Sallyxyz
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 9:07 p.m.
"So it appears there was a plea agreement where the Prosecuting Attorney agrees to dismiss all those other charges so they can get a conviction." Thank you, Clara. I still don't understand why they couldn't get a conviction on the actual crime committed: assault with intent to murder. I also don't understand the constant use of plea bargaining in the judicial system in general, and people are getting off with very light sentences that do not reflect the actual crimes committed. What's going on? It makes a mockery of the justice system and criminals are not paying for their crimes, to say the least.
clara
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
The earlier article said: Rico Montez Chandler, 35, is wanted on charges of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, a sheriff's department media summary said. His brother, James Willard Chandler, 41, was arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm to commit a felony, So it appears there was a plea agreement where the Prosecuting Attorney agrees to dismiss all those other charges so they can get a conviction. The problem is pleading down to a 4 year felony and 93 day misdemeanor is a joke. A felony where probation is almost a given and a misdemeanor. Yes a joke.
RJA
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
Maybe it is OK if it is somebody you know, I wonder if the injured has a rap sheet?
Bertha Venation
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
Does it really matter if you know them? Assault is assault no matter who it is or if the victim has a rap sheet or not.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 6:59 p.m.
Boy, They really lucked out with Judge "M." They'll get off scott free and nothing will happen to them.