Cleaves Shoot Suspect Surrenders
A second man charged in the death of Herbert Cleaves, older brother of Detroit Pistons rookie Mateen Cleaves, surrendered to authorities Wednesday.
Dontrell Y. Smith, 23, of Flint, walked into police headquarters with his attorney, Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch said.
District Judge Ramona M. Roberts arraigned Smith on charges of open murder, conspiracy to commit murder, assault with intent to commit murder and a felony firearm charge.
He was being held without bond in the Genesee County Jail, along with Jaroy L. Davis, 19, of Flint, who surrendered Tuesday and faces the same charges.
If convicted, each man faces up to life in prison without parole.
Busch said there are other suspects in the drive-by shooting, which happened early Sunday in Flint. Herbert Cleaves, 27, died after being shot in the abdomen.
"We've been very fortunate to have both of these suspects just walk into the police department. That's very unusual," Busch said. "We're getting some good breaks, and I'm quite hopeful we're going to get to the bottom of this in short order."
Mateen Cleaves, a Pistons rookie and former Michigan State star, rejoined his team Tuesday after spending time with his family in Flint. He planned to play when the Pistons play host to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night and the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
"He would want me to play, and it keeps me busy," Cleaves said. "Coming back and practicing keeps my mind off of it. I'm staying focused on working out. He's one of the biggest reasons for my toughness."
Mateen and Herbert Cleaves were among seven children - five boys and two girls - of Herbert and Frances Cleaves. Mateen Cleaves is the youngest.
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