In the early morning hours of May 19, 2024, a large crowd gathered at a BP gas station on North Fair Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Shortly after 2 a.m., while officers were en route to address the crowd, the sound of gunfire erupted, sending people fleeing in all directions. When police arrived and secured the chaotic scene, they discovered the body of 20-year-old Marcus James Johnson, a resident of Benton Harbor. An autopsy later confirmed he had died from gunshot wounds. Two other individuals were also injured in the shooting but had transported themselves to a local hospital for treatment and were subsequently released.
The investigation into the death of Marcus Johnson was a collaborative effort involving the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, the Michigan State Police Major Case Team, Michigan State Police K-9 units, and the Berrien County Sheriff's Department. In the course of their investigation, authorities identified a suspect and released a surveillance photo to the public, seeking information on his identity.
The investigation led to the arrest of 23-year-old Jaquez Ray. Court documents revealed a surprising and tragic connection between the two men; Ray and Johnson were described as having been 'best friends.' In a twist of irony, it was revealed that Ray himself had been shot in 2022 while defending Johnson during a fight. Investigators believe Johnson was shot at close range, as a single shell casing was found near his head.
During a search of two locations associated with Ray, one in Benton Harbor and his mother's home in Lansing where he was arrested, police found evidence connecting him to the shooting. This included a gun that matched the shell casing found at the scene and black clothing that Ray was allegedly wearing on the night of the incident, which tested positive for blood. Jaquez Ray has been charged with the murder of Marcus Johnson Jr. and is being held in the Berrien County Jail. His trial is scheduled for the week of January 21, 2025. While an arrest has been made in Johnson's death, investigators are still seeking a suspect responsible for the injuries to the other two victims.
