GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A 17-year-old faces serious legal repercussions after being charged in the shooting death of 15-year-old Amillier Penn. Cartiyae Pascal is set to make his initial court appearance on Thursday, marking a significant step in a case that has captured public attention.
Pascal has been charged with open murder and felony firearm possession in connection to Penn’s death in June 2024. Authorities have stated that Pascal will be tried as an adult in this matter. The incident occurred while Penn was playing football with friends, a tragic event that unfolded with no weapons present on his part, according to police reports.
Investigators revealed that the two teens had a history of conflict, with previous physical altercations recorded on video. Such ongoing issues have raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting. Following the incident, the community became actively involved in seeking justice, with a reward for information about the shooting increased multiple times. A billboard featuring Penn’s image urged the public for assistance, asking, “DO YOU KNOW WHO MURDERED ME?”
Despite hundreds witnessing the shooting, initial responses were limited, leading Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom to note that it was adults who ultimately provided crucial information to investigators. The high-profile nature of the case even led to features in reality crime shows, highlighting the challenge police faced in building a solid case against Pascal despite knowledge of his identity.
At the time of the shooting, Pascal was already on probation for a prior offense. Law enforcement officials gathered digital evidence from his phone that purportedly connected him to the crime, including numerous photos and videos in which he posed with firearms.
Corey Penn, Amillier’s father, described his son as a quiet individual with a playful spirit, devoted to gaming, his friends, and family. In an emotional appeal, he has expressed a desire for accountability, emphasizing the need to see justice served for his son’s tragic death.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community watches closely, eager for resolution in a case that resonates deeply within a neighborhood shaken by violence. Pascal’s court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, as the families and friends of those involved continue to grapple with the emotional aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.