Clinton Township, MI → Two 16-year-old juveniles have been arraigned as adults in connection with a shooting that disrupted a community tree lighting ceremony at Partridge Creek Mall late last year.
RELATED: Two Suspects Captured In Connection With Mall At Partridge Creek Tree Lighting Incident
Peter J. Lucido announced that King Payne, of Eastpointe, and Christian Griffin, of Clinton Township, were formally charged Wednesday following their arraignment at the 41B District Court.
Authorities allege that on November 23, 2025, Griffin and the victim were involved in a physical altercation during the tree lighting ceremony at Partridge Creek Mall in Clinton Township. According to prosecutors, Griffin contacted Payne, who then traveled to the mall. Griffin allegedly directed Payne to the victim, at which point Payne is accused of shooting the victim four times in the torso.
Charges Filed
King Payne is charged with:
- Assault With Intent to Murder, a felony punishable by life or any term of years
- Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to the main charge
Christian Griffin is charged with:
- Assault With Intent to Murder, a felony punishable by life or any term of years
Both juveniles were arraigned on February 18, 2026, before Magistrate Ryan Zemke.
Bond Conditions
Bond was set at:
- $5 million cash/surety for Payne
- $2 million cash/surety for Griffin
No 10% option was permitted in either case.
The court ordered no contact with the victim. If bond is posted, both defendants will be placed on house arrest and required to wear GPS tethers.
At this time, both remain lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens.
Next Court Date
Probable Cause Conferences are scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Carrie Lynn Fuca in the 41B District Court.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Lucido said the decision to charge the juveniles as adults was not made lightly.
“Charging a juvenile as an adult is not a decision made lightly. However, the severity of the allegations necessitated this action. Accountability is fundamental to justice, regardless of age, and my office has a duty to pursue this matter under the full weight of the law,” Lucido said.
He added that the shooting shattered what should have been a peaceful community celebration.
“On the night of the community tree-lighting ceremony, residents of all ages gathered for what should have been a joyful celebration. Instead, gunfire erupted, leaving one person seriously injured and causing justified fear throughout the community. Our community will not tolerate gun violence.”
Lucido also credited the Clinton Township Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, and the Roseville Police Department for their roles in identifying and arresting the suspects.
Payne & Griffin are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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