McKinnley Hearon, 44, of Eastpointe, was sentenced on January 7 to four years in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting his brother, Reginald Hearon, in their Eastpointe home on June 15, 2023.
The incident occurred when McKinnley Hearon shot Reginald following an argument at their home on Stricker Avenue. Reginald, who had a history of violent mental health issues, was found behind the house after the shooting.
Following the incident, McKinnley’s initial statement to the police suggested his brother was not home, but investigators soon discovered evidence of foul play. McKinnley Hearon was charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and lying to police.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office considered potential self-defense claims and the family’s wishes in recommending the sentence. Reginald’s violent tendencies were acknowledged, though his exact diagnosis was not disclosed. The plea agreement was accepted, leading to McKinnley’s four-year sentence, significantly below the maximum penalty.
Defense attorney Jeffery Cojocar emphasized the family’s desire for McKinnley to serve a lower sentence, particularly for the sake of his mother, who is left with no surviving children. He also noted that a self-defense claim could have been a possibility had the case gone to trial.
The sentence was issued by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti, who approved the plea agreement.
