GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Murder charges were dropped against two men accused in the shooting death of an 18-year-old man in August 2023.
The shooting happened on Aug. 17 on the city's southwest side.
Grand Rapids Police said 18-year-old Paul Anthony Pearson was shot and killed during the early morning hours in the 100 block of Burton Street SW.
The medical examiner completed Pearson's autopsy and said he died by homicide.
Abdirizak Abdiyow, 21, and Abdinajib Abdi, 19, were charged with open murder and other firearms charges in his death.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced the charges were dropped Monday.
Becker said after their preliminary hearing, speaking with 11 witnesses and looking over testimonies, there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a murder charge.
The two men are still charged on five other counts.
Abdirizak was bound over on charges related to discharging a firearm at a building, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, possessing a gun as a felon, possessing ammunition as a felon and carrying a concealed weapon.
Abdi was bound over on charges of discharging of a firearm at a building, using a firearm in commission of a felony, carrying a concealed weapon, unlawfully using an auto and accessory after the fact.
At their preliminary hearing on May 31, a fight broke out in the courtroom.
It wasn't immediately clear who was involved in the fight, but the Kent County Sheriff's Office said six people were involved. They had minor injuries.
Authorities said they believe the altercation was between the defendants' family and the victim’s family.
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