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Suspect charged in shooting death of Kentwood 13-year-old turns himself in Wednesday morning

31-year-old Justin Amir House is charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of Jamarion McCuller.

KENTWOOD, Mich. — The suspect charged in the shooting death of 13-year-old Jamarion McCuller turned himself in to the Kent County Jail Wednesday morning.

Authorities identified 31-year-old Justin Amir House as a suspect in the killing of McCuller on Tuesday. He's charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of McCuller.

Police say the fatal shooting of McCuller happened around 8 p.m. near the 3000 block of 29th Street SE and Radcliff on Saturday, March 12.

McCuller was a student at Alger Middle School in Grand Rapids. 

13 ON YOUR SIDE got an exclusive interview with House's attorney, James King, after House turned himself in to the police.

"What's most important to know is that Justin has cooperated with police at every step of the way. That he has, as you've seen, he surrendered himself to the authorities today so he can answer to these charges," said King.

Credit: 13 ON YOUR SIDE
Attorney James King speaks with 13 ON YOUR SIDE about Justin Amir House.

"Justin comes to this situation as an individual who's a law abiding citizen. No prior convictions or arrests," King added.

In an affidavit signed by House describing the events of that night, House says he located an occupied vehicle that he reported stolen earlier that day. The occupants of the vehicle fled on foot and House began to chase them, firing one shot in their direction. 

Jamarion McCuller was found dead on scene with a single gunshot wound. Autopsy of his body confirmed McCuller died as a result of that gunshot. CCTV footage also confirmed that only one shot was fired at the time of the incident.

"He was actually with his significant other and their 1-year-old child when they came in contact with individuals who had stolen a vehicle that was owned by Mr. House. The vehicle was taken earlier in the day," King said in regards to the events on March 12.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604 or Silent Observer.

"Justin is not a threat to the community, to himself or anyone else and he's also not a flight risk. So hopefully, the judge will set a bond that is reasonable and Justin will await for his day in court," said King.

This is a developing story, so stay with 13 ON YOUR SIDE both on air and online for continuing coverage. 

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