BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — 19-year-old Jaylen Edward Smith was found guilty on Friday for the tragic death of 2-year-old Kai Turner in a drive-by shooting.
Turner, who was sleeping in his mother’s bed at the time, was struck by gunfire during the incident, which occurred in Battle Creek. The Battle Creek Police Department confirmed that Turner was not the intended target of the shooter. He later died at the hospital from his injuries.
Smith was convicted of seven charges, including second-degree murder, discharge of a firearm from a vehicle causing death, and discharge of a firearm at a building causing death. Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert confirmed that three of the convictions carry life sentences.
Smith, who was a juvenile at the time of the shooting, was tried as an adult. His sentencing date is scheduled for March 17, 2025.
Martavon Nelson and Hashim Bell Jr. were also arrested in connection to the case. Nelson, who was 18 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in June 2024 and agreed to testify against Smith. He received a sentence of six to 15 years with time served.
Bell, who was 19 at the time, still faces trial, charged with second-degree murder, discharge of a firearm from a vehicle causing death, and discharge of a firearm at a building causing death.
The case has drawn significant attention to the dangers of gun violence and the consequences of senseless acts of violence affecting innocent lives.
