By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — An Ypsilanti man was charged Dec. 20 with shooting and killing a Dearborn Heights man at an Inkster nightclub Dec. 17.
During the arraignment of Rashard Bell, 28, in the 22nd District Court in Inkster on Dec. 20, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office read the charges of first-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, felony firearm and habitual fourth notice against Bell.
He is being held with no bond.
On Dec. 17, Franklin, 26, was at Stardust Lounge, 3736 Inkster Road, where he got into a fight with Bell, according to Michigan State Police.
Franklin left the lounge about 1 a.m. with his mother when Bell followed the two into the parking lot and fired a shot from a handgun, police said.
Bell’s shot hit Franklin in the lower torso. Bell fled but was later located and arrested by the Michigan State Second District Fugitive Team.
Franklin was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.
“The investigation is almost complete and will be turned over to the prosecutor’s office,” a Michigan State Police press release said. “The suspect is currently lodged at the Inkster Police Department.”
Michigan State Police said it is possible the victim and suspect are related, but did not give further details on the relationship.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])