PONTIAC, MI – K’Nique Djon Lawrence, a 32-year-old man living in Pontiac, has been charged with several major felonies, including open murder, in connection to the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Desiree Childs. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges, which also include felon in possession of a firearm and multiple counts of firearm possession whilst committing a felony.
Lawrence was formally arraigned in the 50th District Court and is currently being held without bond. Officials report that Childs was gunned down by Lawrence on October 28, as she was walking near the intersection of S. Johnson Street and Menominee Road. The young victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, was found lifeless on the street, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Prior to this, Lawrence had been convicted of armed robbery in 2010 and receiving and concealing stolen property in 2017. He was apprehended as a result of an investigation into Childs’ murder.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised his team’s work in solving this challenging case and aiming to provide some sense of closure to the family and community affected by the tragedy.
Asserting that holding the perpetrators accountable is a step towards justice, Bouchard profoundly expressed his condolences.
A probable cause conference for Lawrence is slated for Nov. 16.