The Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized an additional charge of open murder against Jeremy Michael Heath, 48, of Clarkston, in the June 28 shooting death of Sean Thompson, 46, of Howell. The shooting took place at Metro Studios Ink, 104 W. Grand River Ave in downtown Howell.
Heath was arraigned today on the open murder charge and was not given bond. His next court date is set for July 9 in front of Livingston County District Court Judge Shauna Murphy.
Heath had been arraigned Monday in Livingston County’s 53rd District Court on three charges: carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, felony firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. The charge of open murder was added after additional information was found during the investigation into the shooting.
Michigan law does not require a prosecutor to choose between first-degree or second-degree murder when issuing a complaint, or even at trial. Open murder is a combination of first- and second-degree murder, and the jury may determine the appropriate degree based on the evidence.
Howell police said previously that Heath fired one shot after Thompson allegedly made threats of violence. Police also said there was no indication Thompson was armed.
