Clinton Township

Pair sentenced to life in prison for murder

By Nico Rubello
C & G Staff Writer

A Clinton Township duo was sentenced to life behind bars for the December 2011 death of a Highland Park man.

Larry Stewart , 22, and Renyatta Hamilton, 21, received mandatory life without parole on Sept. 19. In July, a jury trial found them guilty of the felony murder of 23-year-old Kevin Brown Jr.

It was the only homicide in Clinton Township in 2011.

The prosecution said Hamilton had lured Brown to Clemens Court Apartments in Clinton Township the morning of Dec. 19 for a date, but with the plan that Stewart would rob him at gunpoint when he arrived.

However, a scuffle between Brown and Stewart ensured, during which Brown was shot four times. Hamilton was inside one of the apartments at the time.

Brown died later from his wounds.

In Michigan, a murder that occurs in the commission of a felony carries with it a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Stewart received an additional 25 to 50 years, and Hamilton 10 to 20 years, for charges related to the robbery. They also received a joint restitution of $6,300.

Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Peter Maceroni ordered the pair not to have contact with Brown’s family or with each other.

Hamilton, who never testified during the trial, remained quiet during the sentencing.

Stewart, on the other hand, scathingly criticized the judge, jury and his defense attorney while reading from a prepared statement, according to the defense attorneys involved in the case.

Stewart reiterated his account that he and Brown fought over Hamilton after meeting in the hallway, maintaining that he had acted in self-defense after Brown pulled out a gun.

The Macomb County medical examiner testified during the trial, however, that he was of the opinion that none of Brown’s wounds were self-inflicted based on the angle of the gunshots.

Different attorneys will handle Stewart’s and Hamilton’s appeals.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Nico Rubello at nrubello@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1118.