Detroit Man Charged In Shooting Of Federal Judge, Accused In Crime Spree
DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit man suspected in a months-long crime spree has been charged with the shooting of U.S. District Judge Terrence Berg outside his Detroit home last March.
Speaking at a news conference downtown Monday morning, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy praised detectives who were able to identify the alleged shooter — 23-year-old Kevin Smith — along with two other suspects in a series of attacks in Detroit.
"Marvelous time and energy and time-sensitive investigative work was done in this case..." Worthy said. "Just outstanding work in this case, and many others, from the Detroit police department here."
Worthy said Smith was on parole at the time of Judge Berg's shooting. As investigators worked the case, she said, they uncovered a string of other crimes by Smith — including armed robberies and home invasions in and near Detroit's university district between January 2015 and May 2015.
"Thirteen cases, as a matter of fact, were linked in a crime pattern mainly targeting senior citizens who were assaulted and/or robbed in their homes," said Worthy.
Smith, who was indicted by a one-man grand jury, was arraigned Monday on charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robber, assault with intent to murder, using a firearm to commit a felony and felon in possession of a gun.
Separately, he pleaded guilty to another robbery and was sentenced to 13 to 30 years in prison.
Two other suspects, identified as Timothy Russell and Dondiego Adams, are also in custody facing a variety of charges in connection with the alleged crime spree. Worthy said they were not linked to Berg's shooting.
Prosecutors said there was a second man at the scene of Berg's shooting, adding, however, that he's "a cooperating witness with an agreement for special consideration" and won't be named at this time.
Berg, 56, who was wounded in the leg the shooting during an attempted robbery on his front porch, has said he hopes the public won't use the incident "a reason to hate Detroit."
Smith is due back in court in January.