A man charged in a violent attempted carjacking that left a victim shot has now been sentenced to prison, more than two years after the crime, following repeated delays, a bond violation, and months spent as a fugitive.
Zyquis Jaquan Lewis, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, was sentenced on Dec. 5, 2025, in Oakland County Circuit Court after entering a no-contest plea.
Lewis received the following sentence:
- Assault with intent to murder: 8 to 25 years in prison
- Felony firearm: mandatory 2 years, served consecutively
- Receiving and concealing a firearm: credit for time served
The felony-firearm sentence must be served first under Michigan law, meaning Lewis faces a lengthy prison term before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
His earliest release date is Feb. 25, 2035, assuming he earns disciplinary credit and meets parole eligibility, while his maximum discharge date is Feb. 25, 2052, meaning he could remain incarcerated for decades if parole is denied.
A Case That Took Years to Resolve
Court records show this case dragged on not because of complexity, but because Lewis was granted bond despite facing multiple violent felony charges, including assault with intent to murder.
Lewis was released in 2023 on a $50,000 cash or surety bond, even after being bound over on all charges. Over the following months, hearings were adjourned, attorneys changed, and trial dates were repeatedly pushed back.
In July 2024, Lewis failed to appear in court.
A bench warrant was issued, his bond was forfeited, and court records explicitly note that the defendant did not appear for a show-cause hearing. Lewis remained at large for months before he was eventually apprehended.
When he returned to court in April 2025, bond was denied.
The Original Shooting
The case stems from a Sept. 14, 2023, shooting outside a Southfield apartment complex.
Prosecutors said Lewis arranged an online car purchase, met the seller in person, and test-drove the vehicle. He then left under the pretense of getting money, returned armed, and ordered the victim not to move before opening fire.
The victim was shot in the thigh and survived.
Lewis was originally charged with assault with intent to murder, attempted carjacking, felony firearm, and receiving and concealing a stolen firearm. He was bound over as charged.
Final Resolution
Rather than proceeding to trial, Lewis entered a no-contest plea in September 2025. Several counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
On Dec. 5, Judge Michael P. Hatty imposed the sentence and ordered Lewis to have no contact with the victim.
Lewis is now in the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
At the time of the original arrest, Karen D. McDonald warned that violent crimes tied to online meetups pose serious risks to the community. More than two years later, the case ultimately ended with a prison sentence, after bond failed to keep the defendant in court.
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