SAGINAW, MI — A tragic turn of events during what was supposed to be a lighthearted moment between friends has led to a murder charge in Saginaw.
Andrea “Dre” Dawkins, 42, is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting and killing his friend, 33-year-old Julian L. Arroyo, during a night that began with laughter but ended in loss. According to testimony from a Saginaw police detective, Dawkins told investigators the fatal shot was fired accidentally as the two men engaged in playful wrestling inside a local home last December.
The detective shared details of the interview during a preliminary hearing on Friday, May 23, in Saginaw County District Court, presided over by Judge M. Randall Jurrens. Dawkins is charged with open murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and three counts of felony firearm.
Dawkins’ statement to police paints the picture of a tragic accident between close friends. However, prosecutors are pursuing the case as a homicide, pointing to the presence of a firearm and Dawkins’ status as a convicted felon prohibited from possessing one.
The court will continue to examine the circumstances of Arroyo’s death as the case moves forward.