By Maya Boddie
(Source BIN)
A 19-year-old Michigan teen who fatally shot a mall gunman in July was sentenced to two years of probation for illegally carrying his own weapon.
Martinez Long of Oak Park, Michigan, shot and killed Cameron Watkins, 19, during a July 3 shooting at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn. Long was not charged in Watkins’ death. Instead, he pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
The shooting began when an argument between two groups escalated into gunfire. Both groups had handguns, according to CBS Detroit.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said Watkins took a gun from a woman’s purse and fatally shot 19-year-old Keonte Seaborn. Watkins then shot another person during a struggle and continued firing inside the mall before Long shot him.
Prosecutors determined Long acted in self-defense and in defense of others so he was not charged in Watkins’ death, CBS Detroit reported. But Long was separately charged with carrying a concealed weapon because he did not have a permit.
At his September 8 sentencing, the judge said Long had a valid legal defense but questioned why he brought a gun into the mall.
“I know there was a gun fight at the Fairlane mall, and the lawyers have agreed, according to this court’s evaluation, that you were acting in self-defense or the defense of others, so that’s a valid legal defense,” the judge said. “Why did you walk into the mall with a gun in the first place?”
Long’s attorney said he carried the weapon for protection and did not expect to use it that day.
“He didn’t plan on using it that day. He thought he kept it for protection,” she said. “He didn’t instigate the fight. He didn’t start the fight, and he did pull it out for protection of others.”
As part of his probation, Long must complete cognitive behavioral therapy and court-provided handgun safety classes. He cannot possess guns or ammunition during the two-year period.
Long had no prior criminal record and is working toward his GED. Under Michigan’s Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, his conviction will be expunged if he completes probation without incident.
“This gives you a clean slate. You’re only 19 years of age,” the judge said. “More of your life’s ahead of you than behind you. So hopefully, you know, this won’t prevent you from advancing as you move forward.”
