Teens face up to life in drug-deal stabbing

Two teenagers are facing up to life in prison after police said they tried to kill a man during a drug deal.

Marcus Dowe, 18, and Samantha Wilkerson, 17, both of Battle Creek, were arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault with intent to murder.

Meanwhile Terrell Vaughn, 18, of Battle Creek, remains at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after being stabbed 10 times in the back and arms.

Police and Calhoun County prosecutors have alleged that Vaughn was stabbed during an altercation while he was attempting to buy marijuana from Dowe.

Vaughn arrived at 2:54 a.m. Monday with a friend at Bronson Battle Creek and was treated there and then transferred to Kalamazoo for treatment. He was listed in critical condition Monday. The hospital did not have a condition available Tuesday, although police said he was improving.

Investigators said they now believe Vaughn and Dowe along with Wilkerson and Vaughn's friend met at a party that evening and Vaughn discussed buying 21/ 2 ounces of marijuana from Dowe.

The four met later near Rittenhouse Avenue and Meachem Avenue where the witness said they talked for an hour about prices and the quality of the marijuana.

Police believe that Vaughn gave Dowe $100 for an half-ounce of marijuana and then the two men began to discuss and then argue about a further purchase of two ounces for $400.

The witness told police Dowe attempted to grab money from Vaughn and Vaughn attempted to grab marijuana from Dowe.

The two men began to fight and Vaughn was stabbed before Dowe and Wilkerson fled after Dowe took the money and marijuana, police said.

Vaughn went to the hospital and police were contacted.

Officers learned that Dowe and Wilkerson were staying in the 100 block of Lillie Avenue. Police went there and after about two hours the couple surrendered.

Police obtained a search warrant and said they seized a knife from inside but are not sure if it was used in the stabbing.

At his arraignment, Dowe's attorney, Richard Pattison, argued for a low bond, arguing Dowe, who was crying, was born and raised in Battle Creek, attended Lakeview High School and works in the community as well as lives with his parents. Pattison asked for a 10 percent bond of $5,000.

Assistant Prosecutor Dana Porter said the bond should be higher because of the serious assault inflicted on Vaughn.

Magistrate David Heiss set the bond at $50,000 cash.

Bond for Wilkerson, who is alleged to have driven a vehicle away from the assault, and who was arraigned a few minutes after Dowe, also was set at $50,000. She asked for a court-appointed attorney.

A preliminary examination for both was set for July 28 before District Judge John Hallacy.

Contact Trace Christenson at 269-966-0685 or at tchrist@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TSChristenson