OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There are new details emerging in a recent Oshtemo Township murder case that resulted in one death earlier this month.
Previously, police had arrested 19-year-old Joriel Cruz in the shooting of of 23-year-old Phillip Miller. Cruz is facing charges of open murder and felony firearm.
Police say the incident occurred in the 5500 Block of Redcoat Lane in Oshtemo Township, which is inside the Colonial Manor mobile home park.
On Wednesday, MLive published new details regarding the case.
According to the report, Cruz’s sister, Joynette, told police that she had been the one who shot Miller to cover up for her brother. However, police said evidence at the scene did not match up with her account of what happened.
It is alleged that Joynette and Miller had an abusive relationship, which she had reported multiple times. Miller was not supposed to be in contact with Joynette due to bond requirements in another case, according to MLive.
On the night of the murder, Miller is said to have shown up to her home to ask for money, and began assaulting her when she came outside. Joriel Cruz reportedly came outside and told Miller to stop, and shot him when he didn’t.
Joriel said it wasn’t his intention to kill Miller, and called their father for help immediately after. Miller died while the father and Joynette were taking him to a local hospital, according to MLive.
Joriel Cruz will be back in court on May 25, and is currently held without bond.
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