In the heart of Grand Rapids, on a spring evening in May 2022, the life of 24-year-old Naquie Malik Mitz was tragically cut short. On May 24th, in the vicinity of South Division Avenue and Cherry Street SW, a fatal encounter unfolded that would end in gunfire, leaving Mitz dead.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed to a suspect, 27-year-old Jeffrey Craig.
Within days of the incident, on June 2, the Kent County Prosecutor's Office formally charged Craig with a string of serious offenses, including open murder. The charges also included felon in possession of a firearm, felony firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon, suggesting a history with the law. While charges were filed, Craig remained at large, prompting a search that extended beyond the borders of Michigan.
A collaborative effort between the Grand Rapids Police Department and the U.S. Marshals offices in both Grand Rapids and Chicago led authorities to Rockford, Illinois. It was there, on June 7, that Jeffrey Craig was located and taken into custody without incident. Following his arrest, he awaited extradition back to Michigan to face the charges stemming from the death of Naquie Mitz. During a preliminary hearing in July 2022, video evidence was presented that reportedly captured the moments leading up to the fatal shooting, providing a chilling glimpse into the final moments of Naquie Mitz's life. The footage is said to show an individual, identified as the shooter, retrieving a firearm from a bag before the deadly confrontation.
