Motive more clear in Keishawn Mann case

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- The reason why a 13-year-old allegedly shot his mother's fiance to death at point-blank range became more clear at a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Keishawn Mann will be tried as an adult in juvenile court for allegedly killing Jermelle Stokes at their Kentwood home in January.

At the hearing, a witness -- a classmate of Keishawn's -- said Keishawn planned to kill Stokes because he was abusive. The abuse may have been toward Keishawn's mother, who declined to comment to 24 Hour News 8.

"What did (Keishawn) say about the gun again now?" the prosecutor asked.

"He was going to kill his stepfather," the witness said.

Asked the prosecutor: "Did he say why he wanted to kill his stepfather?"

Answered the witness: "Becase he used to abuse his mom."

He said Keishawn brought a gun to Ridge Park Charter Academy hours before Stokes was shot, and stored it in his locker.

But Keishawn admitted to a Kentwood police detective that he pulled the trigger, but said it was an accident, the hearing revealed.

"What did (Keishawn) say happened?" asked the prosecutor.

"He says he was walking toward Mr. Stokes (and) the gun went off," said Detective Glenn Culbert of the Kentwood Police Department. "His finger was on the trigger."

Keishawn's lawyer contends the shooting appeared to be an accident.

The preliminary continues. Keishawn faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.