DETROIT – Two people face first-degree murder charges in connection to a shooting that killed an 8-year-old boy while he was asleep at his home this past week in the 680 block of East Street in Detroit.

Calvin Mosby, 28, and Devaunte Starks, 17, are charged with the murder of young Jakari Pearson.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Mosby had dated Jakari's mother. He allegedly went to her home and threatened her, then returned with Starks about 1:20 a.m. July 29 and killed 8-year-old Jakari.

"This was a little boy who loved baseball. He was a great swimmer -- he took lessons at the 'Y,'" said Pearson's great aunt, Denise Berry. "He was just a little boy who loved life. I can't wrap my head around this."

Bullet casings found at the scene indicate the weapon used was an assault rifle, police said. Bullet holes were sprayed across the brick walls, window and bedroom walls where the boy was sleeping. He was shot in the chest.

When Jakari's father, Jamare, arrived at the home, he was in shock.

"I don't know what happened," he said. "This was a senseless crime -- a generation is gone. They took my damn son."

In addition to first-degree murder, Mosby and Starks are charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, discharge at a building causing death, and felony firearm. Mosby faces an additional felon in possession of a firearm charge.

Both were arraigned Monday afternoon in 36th District Court. They are being held without bond and are scheduled to appear in court Aug. 13 for preliminary examinations.

Watch web extra: Arraignment for 2 charged in 8-year-old's killing

Devaunte Starks (left) and Calvin Mosby



Devaunte Starks (left) and Calvin Mosby at their video arraignments on Monday, Aug. 4, 2014.

"Nothing is sacred anymore. This is the second such incident in a few weeks in which a young child was allegedly deliberately and callously killed to get back at their parent. It is troubling on multiple levels and illustrates how wildly out of control crime is in Wayne County," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Worthy was referencing the murder of 2-year-old KaMiya Gross on July 1 in Inkster.

Meanwhile, a funeral for Jakari is set for Saturday, Aug. 9, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Donations are being collected at any Chase Bank location under the Jakari Wes Pearson Memorial Fund.

Jakari Pearson was shot to death while asleep July 29 at his home in Detroit.



-- Jakari Pearson