Boy, 15, charged with rape
Teen to be tried as adult for alleged abduction, rape and robbery outside Warren pool hall
PUBLISHED: December 1, 2006
By Norb Franz
Macomb Daily Staff Writer
Prosecutors will try a 15-year-old boy as an adult for the alleged abduction, rape and robbery of a young woman outside a Warren billiards club.
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Terrance Messali Christian, a ninth-grader at Warren Mott High School, appeared sullen during his arraignment Thursday on several felony charges, then wept after the judge set his bond at $3 million and family members voiced support for the Warren teenager.
“Keep your head up. I know you’re not guilty. I know you’re not guilty,” Christian’s mother said to him after the brief hearing in 37th District Court.
The teen remains held at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. A probable-cause hearing to determine whether he should stand trial is scheduled for Dec. 12.
Warren police said the victim is a 21-year-old woman who was robbed at gunpoint at approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday by a man who was at her vehicle as she walked from Hall of Fame Billiards on 13 Mile and Mound Road, where she worked. Detective Cpl. John Pierce said the suspect demanded money from the woman and she surrendered $40.
The gunman subsequently forced the woman into the back seat of the car, drove to an alley behind the Green Acres Plaza shopping center where the pool hall is located and sexually assaulted her. In an effort to silence the woman’s pleas for help, the attacker repeatedly choked and struck her, Pierce said.
Detectives arrested Christian about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at his home. According to court records, he resides at the Harlo Apartments — located behind the shopping center.
Investigators have refused to say what led them to identify Christian as a suspect, nor would they confirm whether they have recovered the gun they claim was used in the incident.
“We have a lot of evidence,” Detective Sgt. James Matheney said. Among the evidence is unspecified material that investigators hope includes DNA evidence.
Christian is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and single counts of kidnapping, carjacking and assault with intent to commit robbery. Each offense is punishable by up to life in prison, giving prosecutors the discretion to immediately charge a juvenile offender as an adult.
The teen also faces one count of possessing a firearm while committing a felony, an offense that carries a mandatory 2-year prison term upon conviction.
“The defendant’s actions were unspeakable,” said Suzanne Faunce, who heads the sex crimes unit at the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. “He’s committed an adult crime; he’s going to pay an adult price.” Judge Walter Jakubowski appeared troubled by the nature of the allegations.
“This court is sickened by the complaint, sickened by you being here if in fact you are guilty,” he told Christian in weighing bond. “You’re a danger to the community, a danger to anyone on this earth.” Christian’s relatives disagreed.
Teen to be tried as adult for alleged abduction, rape and robbery outside Warren pool hall
PUBLISHED: December 1, 2006
By Norb Franz
Macomb Daily Staff Writer
Prosecutors will try a 15-year-old boy as an adult for the alleged abduction, rape and robbery of a young woman outside a Warren billiards club.
Advertisement
Terrance Messali Christian, a ninth-grader at Warren Mott High School, appeared sullen during his arraignment Thursday on several felony charges, then wept after the judge set his bond at $3 million and family members voiced support for the Warren teenager.
“Keep your head up. I know you’re not guilty. I know you’re not guilty,” Christian’s mother said to him after the brief hearing in 37th District Court.
The teen remains held at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. A probable-cause hearing to determine whether he should stand trial is scheduled for Dec. 12.
Warren police said the victim is a 21-year-old woman who was robbed at gunpoint at approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday by a man who was at her vehicle as she walked from Hall of Fame Billiards on 13 Mile and Mound Road, where she worked. Detective Cpl. John Pierce said the suspect demanded money from the woman and she surrendered $40.
The gunman subsequently forced the woman into the back seat of the car, drove to an alley behind the Green Acres Plaza shopping center where the pool hall is located and sexually assaulted her. In an effort to silence the woman’s pleas for help, the attacker repeatedly choked and struck her, Pierce said.
Detectives arrested Christian about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at his home. According to court records, he resides at the Harlo Apartments — located behind the shopping center.
Investigators have refused to say what led them to identify Christian as a suspect, nor would they confirm whether they have recovered the gun they claim was used in the incident.
“We have a lot of evidence,” Detective Sgt. James Matheney said. Among the evidence is unspecified material that investigators hope includes DNA evidence.
Christian is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and single counts of kidnapping, carjacking and assault with intent to commit robbery. Each offense is punishable by up to life in prison, giving prosecutors the discretion to immediately charge a juvenile offender as an adult.
The teen also faces one count of possessing a firearm while committing a felony, an offense that carries a mandatory 2-year prison term upon conviction.
“The defendant’s actions were unspeakable,” said Suzanne Faunce, who heads the sex crimes unit at the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. “He’s committed an adult crime; he’s going to pay an adult price.” Judge Walter Jakubowski appeared troubled by the nature of the allegations.
“This court is sickened by the complaint, sickened by you being here if in fact you are guilty,” he told Christian in weighing bond. “You’re a danger to the community, a danger to anyone on this earth.” Christian’s relatives disagreed.
