Lansing, MI — Three individuals have been convicted in connection with a shooting that took place in Aurelius Township in 2023, with one defendant attempting to flee during his trial. The incident, which left the victim with a life-altering leg injury, resulted in convictions for the shooters and a third person accused of helping to conceal the crime.
On June 23, 2023, Ingham County deputies responded to a shooting in the 1700 block of Aurelius Road. The victim, who had been lured to the location, described being confronted at gunpoint and shot while trying to escape. He was treated for the gunshot wound at a nearby hospital and later released.
Following an investigation, law enforcement identified Jeremy William Shepard of Mason and Dustin Ty Urie of Okemos as the shooters. Both men were arrested and charged. Additionally, Kristen Leann Shepard, Jeremy’s wife, was taken into custody and charged with attempting to conceal the crime and tampering with evidence.
The trial for the three defendants began on November 18, 2024, but took a dramatic turn on November 27, when Jeremy Shepard fled the courthouse during jury deliberations. According to authorities, Shepard cut off his GPS ankle monitor before attempting to leave the state. Law enforcement agencies launched a manhunt, and Shepard was eventually apprehended after a brief pursuit in Calhoun County. When he was arrested, police discovered that he had body armor, firearms, homemade suppressors, and camouflage clothing in his possession. As a result, additional charges were added against him in both Ingham and Calhoun counties.
On Monday, a jury convicted the three individuals on various charges. The convictions are as follows:
- Jeremy William Shepard: One count of assault with intent to murder, one count of unlawful imprisonment, and two counts of felony firearm.
- Dustin Ty Urie: One count of assault with intent to murder, one count of unlawful imprisonment, one count of possessing a firearm as a felon, and three counts of felony firearm.
- Kristen Leann Shepard: One count of accessory after the fact to assault with intent to murder, and one count of tampering with evidence.
Both Jeremy Shepard and Dustin Urie now face the possibility of life sentences, while Kristen Shepard faces up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing for all three defendants is scheduled for December 30, 2024.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime, the subsequent flight of one of the defendants, and the involvement of a woman accused of helping to cover up the crime. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the events surrounding the shooting.
