People of the State of Michigan v. Cordell Erwin Dawson

Paw Paw, Michigan, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with first-degree murder and carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony.

This case arose from the fatal shooting of the victim during the early-morning hours of August 15, 2021.

Defendant's defense at trial was that he was innocent and the shooting was perpetrated by Michael Johnson, also known as "Bruno." Michael was initially charged with murder and lying to the police as a codefendant in this case, but in exchange for his testimony, the prosecution agreed to allow Michael to plead guilty to lying to the police.

The shooting occurred at a concert and party that were scheduled to take place at the civic center in Covert Township on August 14, 2021. The concert featured local performers, including the victim. Michael testified that defendant called him on the day of the concert and said that if he saw the victim at the party, he was "gonna get on that." Michael interpreted this to mean that defendant intended to fight the victim. On the evening of the concert, defendant, Michael, and Michael's then-wife traveled to the civic center together in defendant's car. When they arrived, there was a large crowd of 70 to 80 people gathered in the street outside the center.

The Defendant was found guilty.

Affirmed on appeal.