On a cold December day in Saginaw, Michigan, the life of 18-year-old Nasir Owens was tragically cut short. On December 15, 2018, the promising high school senior was fatally shot in the parking lot of the abandoned Nelle Haley Elementary School. Owens, a student at Bridgeport High School, was a celebrated athlete, playing both varsity football and baseball. He had dreams of enlisting in the United States Army after his upcoming graduation and had already passed his ASVAB test, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of his life. A hardworking young man, he also held a job at Pinnacle Foods. His family remembers him as a joyful person with a beautiful smile who was a faithful and active member of his church.
The investigation into his death led police to a 15-year-old suspect. Following the shooting, law enforcement was involved in a standoff at a residence in Saginaw, which resulted in the teenager being taken into custody. The suspect was later identified as Naparion C. Riley. He was charged as an adult with first-degree murder, three counts of assault with intent to murder, and four counts of felony firearm. It was alleged that two individuals in hooded sweatshirts were involved in the shooting.
The case against Riley proceeded to a jury trial in Saginaw County Circuit Court. After hearing the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense, the jury rendered its verdict. In March 2020, Naparion C. Riley was found not guilty on all charges related to the death of Nasir Owens. The trial concluded with his acquittal, leaving the questions surrounding Nasir's death officially unanswered in the eyes of the law.
