MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — Vashon Flowers, 46, of Muskegon Heights, appeared in Muskegon County District Court Monday to be charged with open murder for the shooting death of his wife, Jamie Thomas-Flowers.
Muskegon Heights Police Chief Joseph E. Thomas Jr. says Flowers turned himself into Muskegon police Sunday evening after first attempting to find an officer at the Muskegon Heights Police Department. At the time, doors to Muskegon Heights Police were locked, and officers were surrounding a home in the city where Flowers was believed to be hiding.
"He said he waited on a police officer to pull into the parking lot," said Thomas.
Flowers is charged as a four-time habitual offender. He has previous convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance, resisting police and domestic violence.
Thomas says Flowers and his wife had a domestic argument centered on cigarette smoking early in the morning Sunday. Police responded to the couple's home in the 1300 block of Mona Street and stood by as Flowers gathered some belongings and left the home.
Police believe he returned around 6:30 a.m., kicked in the front door to the home and shot Thomas-Flowers four times.
In court, Matt Roberts, chief trial attorney for the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office, told Muskegon County District Judge Raymond Kostrzewa one of the four shots was a close contact injury.
An adult witness to the shooting was on the phone with 911 dispatchers as two of the shots were fired.
Flowers is being held without bond in the Muskegon County Jail. He's scheduled to be back in court for a preliminary examination on June 3.
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