Ciera Wells was shot and killed after she was misidentified by the gunman in Detroit, WJBK reports. Wells was heading to the grocery store with her mother and sister at the time of her death and had recently turned 20 years old.
Wells was driving when they heard gunshots. Her mother, Yquitta Wells, told WJBK that she “ducked down” before she heard her daughter say “Mom, I’ve been shot.” According to the Kansas City Star, police have confirmed that Ciera was shot in the back, causing the 20-year-old to crash into a tree in eastern Detroit.
Marion Johnson, 19, is accused of confusing Wells for someone else because her car resembled that of his intended target, Click on Detroit reports. According to WJBK, he allegedly shot at Wells from his home nearby.
Detroit Police Cmdr. Michael McGinnis told WJBK that “there was an incident that occurred prior in the day involving a vehicle similar, nothing to do with our victims, and our offender, for whatever reason decided to get retribution for that incident with a use of a high-powered rifle. That could have been anyone.”
Police announced on Wednesday that Johnson has been charged with murder.
According to the Kansas City Star, Johnson is currently in jail as he awaits his court appearance which is scheduled for April 7.
