*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — A Kalamazoo man has been charged with open murder following the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Telon Tyree Horton at Davis Street Park on Friday, April 17.
Carlin Andrew Barcelo, 22, was arraigned Monday afternoon on charges of open murder, felony firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon in the death of Horton.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to the park after receiving reports of shots fired around 3 p.m. They found Horton unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died from his injuries.
Two people witnessed the shooting, including Horton's fiancé, public safety officers said. The witnesses saw Barcelo shoot Horton during an argument at the park. Barcelo then stole a Honda SUV that belonged to one of the witnesses and fled the scene.
Investigation
KDPS used Flock and Fusus technology to verify information provided by witnesses about the Honda CRV. Later that night, a resident in Augusta, Michigan, reported an abandoned car and a suspicious subject on Mann Road north of Augusta.
The abandoned vehicle was identified as the Honda used in Barcelo's escape. Authorities conducted a search with multiple agencies, drones, and police dogs. They were able to contain Barcelo in the area and arrested him early Saturday morning.
Family Statement
Horton's mother, Jerell Gomis, told News Channel 3 she is in disbelief that Barcelo had been in her kitchen eating food and drinking beers like he was part of her family just days before the shooting.
"My son loved the skate park. He was a regular for years and years and years," Gomis said. "And I just hate that that would have to be the place for him to lose his life. His most favorite place."
Gomis said her son's girlfriend is expecting their first child. She told News 8 that she hopes for a lifetime conviction and lifetime sentence for Barcelo.
Court Proceedings
Appearing in a Kalamazoo courtroom via video linkup from jail, Barcelo listened quietly as the charges against him were read aloud. Judge Kathleen Hemingway denied bond, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Barcelo is expected to return to court for a probable cause conference on April 30, followed by a preliminary examination on May 7, according to court documents obtained by News Channel 3.
Investigation Statement
KDPS Captain Danielle Guilds said the loss of Mr. Horton was tragic but thankful the case quickly came together.
"We are thankful however that this case quickly came together," Guilds said. "KDPS had numerous cooperating witnesses, was able to use advanced technology, had observant citizens that called in information, and used the dedication and expertise of multiple officers and law enforcement agencies, which all came together to present a strong case to the Prosecutor's Office."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139 or submit tips anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100.