Flint, MI – In a significant development in the homicide case of Darel T. King, federal prosecutors have announced that they will not seek the death penalty. King stands accused of killing one person and injuring another, with the chilling act captured on audio by individuals online during a PlayStation gaming session.
U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison made it clear in a federal brief on Thursday that the death penalty will not be pursued in the case against King. Charges against him include affecting commerce by robbery, using a firearm during a violent crime, and committing murder with a firearm.
While the state of Michigan does not allow for the death penalty at a local level, federal law permits its application throughout all states and territories, although it is rarely utilized. The decision on whether to seek the death penalty lies with the U.S. Attorney General, as per the U.S. Department of Justice policy.
According to Department of Justice procedures, any potential capital case must undergo a thorough review process involving the local U.S. attorney, the Capital Review Committee, and the opportunity for defense counsel to present mitigating information.
King is alleged to have fatally shot Daushawn Guthridge on the morning of July 10, 2019, at a residence on Kent Street in Flint. The tragic incident left Guthridge dead from multiple gunshot wounds, while a woman and a 9-year-old boy present in the home survived the attack, albeit with injuries.
Three individuals reportedly robbed Guthridge of cash, a significant quantity of marijuana, and approximately one kilogram of cocaine during the violent episode. The audio recordings captured during the online gaming session proved crucial in identifying the culprits, as one participant in the game promptly shared the evidence with authorities.
In a chilling account, a tipster described the events surrounding the homicide, highlighting the intensity of the situation as captured on the PlayStation audio. Witnesses from the online gaming session were able to identify the perpetrators, including King, from the audio recordings.
The decision by federal prosecutors not to pursue the death penalty in King’s case marks a significant development in a tragic incident that shook the Flint community. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and ensuring accountability for those responsible for the heinous crime.