×

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

By 13 ON YOUR SIDE Staff Apr 20, 2022 | 6:09 AM


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.

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

Circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being investigated, but House’s attorney shared some insight into his client’s side of the story when asked about the night of the shooting.

“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.

Police in Kentwood have not elaborated on what led up to the shooting despite 13 ON YOUR SIDE submitting a Freedom of Information Request for the police report or any 911 calls leading up to the incident. The request was denied due to the incident still being under investigation.

House will be presented before a judge Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. for arraignment.

“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.

Police in Kentwood have not elaborated on what led up to the shooting despite 13 ON YOUR SIDE submitting a Freedom of Information Request for the police report or any 911 calls leading up to the incident. The request was denied due to the incident still being under investigation.

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

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

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.