By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – A Detroit man charged with the shooting death of a 23-year-old Taylor man will stand before a jury beginning this week facing up to life in prison if convicted.
Joseph Emmanu Watson, 26, is accused of the late February shooting death of Jose Zambrano at a house in the 15600 block of Wellington Street.
A final conference was held July 29 before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Cameron, who scheduled a jury trial to begin Aug. 9.
Police and prosecutors said both Watson and Zambrano had been visiting a friend in Taylor, and that Zambrano had brought along his 3-year-old son. After a reported argument between the men, Watson allegedly fired a handgun and struck Zambrano in the chest, and also had hit the homeowner in the arm.
Watson was taken into custody soon after the shooting and was charged with first-degree homicide – punishable by up to life in prison without parole – along with intent to commit murder, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearms.
Last month Watson was ruled competent to stand trial and participate in his defense.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])