The Associated Press
FLINT - A second suspect in the shooting death of Herbert Cleaves, brother of Detroit Piston guard Mateen Cleaves, surrendered to authorities Wednesday.
Dontrell Y. Smith, 23, of Flint, walked into police headquarters with his attorney, Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch said.
District Judge Ramona M. Roberts arraigned Smith on charges of open murder, conspiracy to commit murder, assault with intent to commit murder and a felony firearm charge. He was being held without bond in the Genesee County Jail, along with Jaroy L. Davis, 19, of Flint, who surrendered Tuesday and faces the same charges.
If convicted, each man faces up to life in prison without parole.
Busch said there are other suspects in the drive-by shooting, which happened early Sunday in Flint. Herbert Cleaves, 27, died after being shot in the abdomen.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have both of these suspects just walk into the police department. That’s very unusual,” Busch said. “We’re getting some good breaks, and I’m quite hopeful we’re going to get to the bottom of this in short order.”
Busch said police have gotten “a lot more calls than we usually get” about the case. He hopes others will call a CrimeStoppers tip line that offers up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests or convictions. That number is (800) 422-JAIL.
“There’s tremendous support here for this family,” Busch said. “This family has done tremendous things for our community and we’re going to watch out for them.”
Mateen Cleaves, a Pistons rookie and former MSU star, rejoined his team Tuesday after spending time with his family in Flint. He said he plans to play when the Pistons host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night and the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Mateen and Herbert Cleaves were among seven children - five boys and two girls - of Herbert and Frances Cleaves. Mateen Cleaves is the youngest.
Mateen Cleaves said he got a chance to talk and spend time with his brother the day before he was killed.
“We talked and he finally told me how proud he was of me for making it,” he said. “Along with my parents, he gave me a strong work ethic. He was so excited to have a brother in the pros.”
Cleaves credited his former Spartan teammates, especially fellow Flint native Antonio Smith, with giving him the support he needed.
Along with Smith, Charlie Bell and Morris Peterson, Mateen Cleaves was one of the “Flintstones” who made the Spartans a national powerhouse in the years leading to their national title in 2000.
Herbert Cleaves’ funeral is at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Flint.
