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Final suspect in custody for shooting death of 17-year-old East Kentwood student

Grand Rapids Police said on Monday that Kayleb Sims, 17, turned himself in.

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Four teenagers who are facing murder charges for the shooting death of 17-year-old James King are all now in custody. 

Grand Rapids Police said on Monday that the final suspect, Kayleb Sims, turned himself in on his warrant. He joins his three co-defendants Ahmed Hasan, 17, Alanah Faith Claflin, 18 and Israel Valdez, 17 who were all taken into custody before Sims.  

Read more: 'Dead at 17,' Grand Rapids mother wants answers after incomprehensible shooting 

The group is facing felony charges in the Jan. 13 death of King, who was killed in a parking lot during what police say was a marijuana deal set up on social media. 

Court documents indicate the four teens planned to steal King's marijuana. When they met up with him at the Towne & Country Shopping Center, Valdez tried to steal the marijuana from King. The two fought over it before Valdez allegedly shot King once in the face, killing him. 

After King was shot, he was pushed out of the car. Police said the suspects then left the area. 

Credit: Kent County Sheriff's Office
Israel Valdez, Kayleb Sims, Ahmed Hasan, Alanah Claflin

The teens were all taken into custody one-by-one in the days following the shooting. Each of the defendants have been charged with open murder, assault with intent to rob while armed and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.  

The four individuals face up to life in prison if convicted.

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