A volunteer Detroit high school football coach is charged in the non-fatal shootings of a mother and her 7-year-old daughter, who were shot over a fight between children, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday, Oct. 15.
"This is beyond outrageous. When in the world did it become okay for an adult to introduce a firearm into an argument between two young children? The defendant we are charging today with 17 counts is an assistant football coach at a Detroit high school. Let that sink in,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, in a written statement, of Aaron Matthew Wright, 32.
“He decides, allegedly, to settle this dispute with his daughter by going to the home of the other child and shooting her and her mother. We will make sure that
the only football games he is involved (with) in the future is as a spectator watching it on a TV screen.”
Wright was a volunteer assistant coach at Denby High School but has now been dismissed, a Detroit schools spokesperson said Thursday.
Authorities allege Wright went to the 33-year-old mother’s home on Detroit’s east side and began arguing with her on the front porch. Her daughter was standing close behind her in the living room.
And several witnesses, including children, were watching, Assistant Prosecutor Cheri Wyrick said during Wright's arraignment Thursday afternoon in 36th District Court.
But when the woman attempted to close the door, Wright forced his way in and shot her in the arm and her daughter in the chest, the prosecutor’s office said. Wyrick said the young girl had to have heart surgery to remove bullet fragments.
Then, without calling for help or rendering aid, he fled, Wyrick said.
Wright is charged with:
- Two counts of assault with intent to murder
- First-degree home invasion
- Two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm
- Two counts of dispatching a firearm in or at a building, causing injury
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Eight counts of felony firearm
Warren McAlpine, an attorney for Wright, described his client as an "upstanding member of the community." He's a "highly decorated" Army vet, has a degree and is continuing his education, is involved with his church, volunteers, coaches football, and has strong community ties.
But that's what makes the crime more troubling, said Magistrate Delphia Burton.
"All those credentials led to a different action," she said.
During the arraignment, Wright was attentive. He shook his head softly when Wyrick spoke, nodded when Burton spoke, and often closed his eyes and took deep breaths when McAlpine spoke.
Wright was given a $250,000 bond with GPS tether and a curfew if he posts bond and is released before trial.
Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at asahouri@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Volunteer coach in Detroit charged in shooting of woman, 7-year-old
