On June 22, 2019, a fatal shooting incident occurred in the early morning hours at an apartment complex in Burton, Michigan. Police were dispatched to the Kings Lane Apartments at 4400 Kings Lane shortly before 4:30 a.m. following reports of gunfire and a person down in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 30-year-old Kenneth "Gadget" Fluellen Jr., a Black male resident of Flint, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities described the situation as a chaotic confrontation that escalated into a gunfight between Fluellen and another individual in the parking lot. Following the shooting, police had to manage a large crowd of approximately 50 people who had gathered, requiring assistance from the Michigan State Police and other local agencies to secure the area and process evidence.
Kenneth Fluellen Jr., known affectionately to friends and family as "Gadget," was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. He was an alumnus of Flint Northern High School and had later earned his GED. At the time of his death, he was employed as a team leader at AI of Flint. Those who knew him remembered him for his artistic talents, particularly in drawing and rapping, as well as his love for bowling. He was described as a protective family man who cherished spending time with his siblings and relatives. His funeral services were subsequently held at the Refuge Temple Church of Flint, where family and community members gathered to mourn his loss.
In the days following the homicide, investigators interviewed several witnesses but initially had no suspects in custody. However, through witness statements, detectives were able to identify a person of interest. Upon learning that he was being sought by law enforcement, a 28-year-old man from Flint contacted his attorney, who then arranged for his surrender. On the evening of the following Friday, the suspect turned himself in at the Burton police station. Due to the complex nature of the altercation, which police characterized as a gunfight involving a confrontation, the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office deliberated carefully on the appropriate charges.
By early July 2019, authorities announced that the 28-year-old suspect would face multiple weapon-related felonies, including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm charges. At that stage of the investigation, prosecutors decided against filing homicide or murder charges, citing the intricate circumstances surrounding the shootout. The investigation remained open as detectives continued to piece together the events that led to the deadly exchange in the apartment parking lot.
