In the winter of 2016, a senseless act of violence cut short the life of 17-year-old Isaiah Devere Blue. On the evening of January 27th, the male teenager and two friends had just stepped off a Rapid bus at 44th Street and South Division Avenue in Wyoming, Michigan, when they were confronted by three other young men. What began as a robbery attempt swiftly escalated into a tragedy that would forever alter the lives of all involved.
The three aggressors were identified as 18-year-old Mitchell Steven Savickas, his 16-year-old step-brother Daniel Benavides, and 15-year-old Bryshaun Scott. During the confrontation, Savickas brandished a rifle, demanding that Blue and his companions empty their pockets. While Benavides was also armed with a pistol, it was Savickas who fired multiple shots as Blue attempted to flee, striking the teenager several times. Blue managed to run across the street before collapsing from his injuries.
Following an investigation that included a four-hour standoff with police, all three suspects were taken into custody. Savickas and Benavides were charged as adults with felony murder, three counts of armed robbery, and weapons offenses. Scott faced three counts of armed robbery in juvenile court. In a turn of events, the charges against Bryshaun Scott were dropped in March of that year after he testified against his co-defendants during a preliminary hearing.
During his trial, Mitchell Savickas chose to represent himself, arguing that he had acted in self-defense, a claim the jury ultimately rejected. In July 2016, after deliberating for only about 30 minutes, the jury found him guilty of felony murder and three counts of armed robbery. He was subsequently sentenced to a mandatory life term in prison. Daniel Benavides reached a plea agreement, pleading guilty to second-degree murder. On August 3, 2016, both Savickas and Benavides were formally sentenced for their roles in the death of Isaiah Blue.
