HARPER WOODS, MI -- A hearing in a 2010 homicide case turned violent Wednesday when dozens of supporters of the suspects and the victim fought outside the courtroom, according to Harper Woods Police Chief Jim Burke.

Demetrius Edwards and Bryant Royster of Detroit are

in September 2010.

A preliminary exam was being held Wednesday afternoon at Harper Woods District Court before Judge Roger LaRose when about 80 people began what Burke called a verbal disturbance that spilled into the lobby of the police station and turned violent.

Demetrius Edwards

"Harper Woods police officers had additional staff on duty and had implemented enhanced security procedures prior to the disturbance taking place," Burke said in a news release. "They were able to contain the majority of the people involved in the disturbance inside the courtroom. Mutual aid was requested and HWPD officers were assisted by several Grosse Pointe Public Safety Departments."

Five people were arrested and two people suffered minor injures in the fight, according to Burke.

LaRose ordered the courtroom cleared and hearing continued.

Edwards is currently serving a prison sentence for a 2010 armed robbery conviction, and Royster is in prison for a 2012 assault with intent to murder conviction, according to Department of Corrections records.

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