In the early hours of May 12, 2016, an argument at a home on East Empire Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan, tragically cut short the life of 18-year-old Grady Manns Jr. A junior at Benton Harbor High School and a recent father, Manns was at the residence of 30-year-old Terrence Shelby Jr. when the fatal altercation occurred. A neighbor later reported hearing a gunshot around midnight near an alley behind the home.
The following morning, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a school bus driver made a grim discovery, spotting Manns' body in a field near the intersection of McAlister and Empire avenues, just a block from Shelby's house. Law enforcement was immediately called to the scene, and an investigation into the apparent homicide began. The discovery prompted a lockdown at Benton Harbor High School as a precautionary measure. An autopsy would later confirm that Grady Manns Jr. died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
The investigation quickly led police to Terrance Shelby Jr., who was arrested in connection with the shooting. During an interview with detectives, Shelby confessed to the crime. He was subsequently charged with open murder and felony firearm possession. Prosecutors stated that the argument between Shelby and Manns preceded the shooting. Shelby was arraigned, and his bond was set at $1 million.
During legal proceedings, further details emerged about the circumstances leading to the shooting. It was revealed that Shelby had found Manns in his home with his 13-year-old stepdaughter. After chasing Manns away, Shelby claimed he saw him near the home again minutes later. He told police he intended to fire a warning shot but instead struck Manns. Ultimately, Terrance Shelby Jr. was sentenced to a minimum of 15.5 years in prison for a conviction on a second-degree murder charge and a felony firearm charge.
