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Teen accused in accidental shooting death to be tried as adult

Marcus Johnson is charged with open murder for the death.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. - 16-year-old Marcus Johnson will be tried as an adult, but in juvenile court for accidentally shooting his 14-year-old sister.

The decision by the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office was made on Monday, Aug. 27 during a hearing in front of a juvenile referee at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice.

Johnson is accused of accidentally shooting his 14-year-old sister Kahmyah Robertson on Aug. 20 at the home the siblings shared on Elwood Street in Muskegon Heights.

Johnson is charged with open murder for the death. Robertson was shot in the back, and she died shortly after the shooting at a Muskegon hospital.

►Related: 'A beautiful girl,' family remembers 14-year-old girl killed in accidental shooting

Johnson is being held in the Muskegon County Juvenile Transition Center until a preliminary hearing on the charge scheduled for Sept. 7.

The juvenile referee denied a request by Johnson's attorney to release her client to his mother on tether until the next court date.

Muskegon Heights Police Chief Joseph Thomas Jr. tells 13 ON YOUR SIDE police have recovered the gun believed to have discharged while in Johnson's possession, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The circumstances surrounding the recovery of the gun were not released.

Thomas says police did receive help from citizens to locate the weapon.

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