Detroit mass shooting that leaves two dead results in life sentences

“I just want to tell you how proud your son would be of you and how proud you were of him today,” he told Willis’ mother, who came to court each day for Kirtley’s trial. One woman in the courtroom smiled as Slavens read Kirtley’s life sentences, and another man pumped his fist in relief.

Kirtley shot Willis 12 times and Thirkeild six times, Kehoe said. Kirtley testified that he later shot at two other men who he said were shooting at him from across the street.

Kirtley’s attorney, James Schlaff, said during the hearing that he had a right to act in self-defense, even if it turned out he was mistaken about seeing a gun. He asked Slavens to reduce the assault sentence, taking into account Kirtley’s lack of a prior criminal record, his military service and his mental illness — the latter two factors Schlaff said are related.

“He’s not quite the man everyone thinks he is,” Schlaff said.

Kirtley was found incompetent to stand trial and remained incompetent for nearly two years. Mental capacity refers to the ability of a defendant to rationally understand the charges against him and assist in his defense.