Weapons Charges Filed in Lansing School Incidents; Other Top Mid-Michigan Stories

By Rich Hurl | 1320 WILS News | May 29, 2025

LANSING, MI — Two separate weapons-related incidents within the Lansing School District have resulted in criminal charges, prompting new security measures and a strong response from school officials.

At Dwight Rich School for the Arts, a 12-year-old student was found to have brought a disassembled handgun onto campus last Thursday. The student is now facing a charge of carrying a concealed weapon. In response, the school has implemented metal detectors and handheld wands at all student entrances to enhance safety.

Meanwhile, at Everett High School, charges have been filed in connection with a fight earlier this week. A 17-year-old boy has been charged with bringing a pistol onto school property, and 51-year-old Tamika Longa faces charges for possessing a taser in a school zone. Principal Amy Boyle addressed the incident in a letter to families, pledging proactive steps and continued collaboration with law enforcement to maintain a safe learning environment.

Prison Sentence in Lansing Homicide Case

In other news, 19-year-old DePriest Morrell has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting of DeAngelo Hayward at a Forest Road apartment complex in August 2023. Morrell delivered a brief apology to the victim’s family during sentencing.

Eaton County Parks to Benefit from Grant

Several parks across Eaton County are set to receive upgrades thanks to a $400,000 grant, following a 2022 millage approved by voters. The funding will support improvements in Bellevue, Charlotte, Potterville, Dimondale, Eaton Rapids, and Olivet.

Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Former Officer

A federal judge has dismissed charges against 25-year-old Brian Keeley, a former police officer accused of fatally striking Samuel Sterling with his cruiser in Kentwood last April. The judge cited immunity under the Supremacy Clause in tossing out second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges.

Trump Suggests Possible Pardons in Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Case

Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is considering pardons for defendants in the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Speaking during a White House swearing-in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Trump said the case “looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job,” and noted growing public interest in the matter.

Whitmer to Speak at Mackinac Policy Conference

Governor Whitmer is scheduled to deliver the keynote address this afternoon at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Her speech is expected shortly after 3 p.m., with the conference continuing through Friday.

Oxford School Shooting Lawsuit Denied by Michigan Supreme Court

The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal in a civil case brought by families of the victims of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. The suit alleged that Oxford Community Schools failed to prevent the attack that killed four students. The court’s decision leaves in place an appeals court ruling that dismissed the case last September.

Stellantis Names New CEO Amid Auto Industry Turmoil

In Detroit, Stellantis has announced Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, replacing Carlos Tavares. The leadership change comes amid declining revenues and economic uncertainty facing the auto industry.

Stay with 1320 WILS for the latest updates on these and other developing stories.