Brian Jackson, a 34-year-old Black man from Detroit, was described by his family as having a "very humble spirit, very quiet spirit." His cousin, Rev. Charles Williams II, was surprised that violence would find him, but on the night of July 19, 2020, Brian became one of three men killed in a sudden and senseless shooting inside a local restaurant.
The tragedy unfolded around 11 p.m. at A Eagle’s Coney Island on Dexter Avenue near Joy Road.
According to investigators and surveillance footage, a man inside the diner produced a handgun and opened fire. The gunfire struck four people, killing Brian Jackson, 24-year-old Carnell Watts, and his 20-year-old stepbrother, Cortney Willis. A fourth man, the brothers' 28-year-old cousin Branden Mosley, was also shot but survived his injuries. When police arrived, they found one victim in the parking lot and two more, along with the wounded survivor, inside the restaurant. All three men were pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
The motive for the attack remained unclear, though it appeared to stem from a brief and trivial interaction. Police Chief James Craig noted that there was "very little conversation" before the violence erupted. Some reports suggested the shooter felt threatened after a comment was made about his gym shoes, while others indicated a remark was made about his girlfriend's legs. An employee working that night stated that he didn't hear any arguing before the spray of gunfire. The shocking nature of the crime drew immediate grief and outrage. "My family is not the only family," Rev. Williams said. "This happens to families all the time."
Detroit police launched a manhunt for the suspect seen on surveillance video. Citing "phenomenal" detective work and crucial tips from the community, authorities located and arrested 25-year-old Mickey Dane Douglas in an alleyway the following day. A female acquaintance, who was suspected of being a getaway driver, was also taken in for questioning. Investigators learned that Douglas was an ex-convict with a history of violence who had been released on parole for robbery in 2018.
Wayne County prosecutors charged Mickey Dane Douglas with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of assault with intent to murder, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and five counts of felony firearm. He was arraigned on July 22, 2020, and was denied bond. Following his trial, Douglas was convicted for the murders of Brian Jackson, Carnell Watts, and Cortney Willis and was sentenced for his role in the deadly shooting.
