Nationwide — Martinez Long, a 19-year-old African American teen from Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to two years of probation after fatally shooting a gunman during a chaotic confrontation at Fairlane Town Center. Although the court recognized that he acted in self-defense or to protect others, he faced a weapons charge because he carried the handgun without a concealed carry permit.
The shooting happened July 3 after a fight inside the Dearborn mall turned deadly. Police were called around 1:25 p.m. after gunfire broke out, leaving three people shot and two people dead. Cameron Watkins had been fighting with Keonte Seaborn before shooting and killing him. Watkins then shot another person during a struggle and continued firing his weapon inside the mall.
Long eventually used his own gun to stop Watkins, killing him and ending the immediate threat. Prosecutors did not charge Long with the shooting death because the circumstances supported a self-defense claim. However, he did not have a permit to carry the concealed handgun, leading to the charge that brought him before a judge.
During Tuesday’s sentencing, the judge criticized Long for bringing a gun into the mall while also acknowledging his legal right to defend himself and others. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the judge said carrying the weapon was poor judgment and questioned why Long believed he needed a gun for protection inside a shopping mall. “Fortunately, you weren’t injured, but nonetheless, you had a gun there in the first place, which was poor judgment,” the judge said. “And what do you need a gun for protection in a mall, in the first place?” He ultimately said the agreement was in the best interest of justice.
Long’s attorney described the shooting as a tragic situation and said her client accepted responsibility for the mistake of carrying the concealed weapon. She said he did not start or provoke the confrontation and pulled out the gun only after the situation became dangerous. Long did not speak during the hearing because his attorney said his statements could affect a possible civil liability case. He is working toward earning his GED and had no previous criminal record.
Under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, Long’s two-year probation will come with several requirements. He must complete cognitive behavioral therapy, attend handgun safety classes ordered by the court, and stay away from guns and ammunition during probation. If he finishes the period without another incident, his criminal record will be expunged. The judge also reminded him, “This gives you a clean slate. You’re only 19 years of age,” the judge said. “More of your life’s ahead of you than behind you. So hopefully, you know, this won’t prevent you from advancing as you move forward.”