In the autumn of 2017, the life of Ronald Demetrius Owens, a 32-year-old Black/African American man from Jackson, Michigan, was tragically cut short. On the night of October 27th, Owens was found with a single gunshot wound to his head in the 200 block of West South Street in Summit Township. Despite being rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family, including his four children.
Known affectionately as 'Meech' to his friends and family, he was remembered as a kind and caring individual.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed to a drug deal that had taken a violent turn. Authorities identified two primary suspects in the case: Raheim Rahhman Armstrong and his girlfriend, Prettyattie Cooper. The pair were apprehended two days after the fatal shooting. According to court testimony, Armstrong and Cooper had arranged to meet Owens to purchase cocaine. During this transaction, an altercation occurred, and Armstrong fatally shot Owens.
Following their arrests, both Armstrong and Cooper were charged with open murder. During legal proceedings, it was revealed that Cooper was driving the vehicle and had been with Armstrong as he committed various crimes, culminating in the shooting of Owens. Cooper maintained that she acted under duress, expressing fear of Armstrong. The court found sufficient evidence to proceed with trying both individuals for the murder. Ultimately, the two were tried separately. In October 2021, Raheim Armstrong was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, bringing a measure of justice to the family of Ronald Demetrius Owens.
