Teenagers Injured in Lansing Shooting; Multiple Investigations Underway Across Mid-Michigan

By Owen Brooks | 1320 WILS News

LANSING, MI — Two 17-year-old boys are recovering in the hospital after being shot early Monday morning on Lansing’s southeast side. The teens arrived at the hospital around 3:30 a.m. and are expected to survive. Lansing Police are working to determine the exact location of the shooting. No suspects have been identified, and authorities believe the incident was isolated, posing no ongoing threat to the public.

Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum, staff discovered extensive damage at the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden. Thousands of flowers were destroyed in what is being investigated as an act of vandalism. Signs left at the scene read “Plant lives don’t matter, human lives do,” referencing the war in Palestine. University officials condemned the act as "unacceptable" and said they are pursuing criminal charges.

In another ongoing investigation, a 19-year-old Lansing woman is facing multiple charges in connection with a shooting at Meridian Mall on Friday that left two people injured. Alexia Jimenez was arraigned on Sunday on charges including murder, possession of a concealed weapon, and felony firearm violations. Her bond has been set at $1 million. Police are still searching for a burgundy sedan, possibly a Chrysler 300 or Toyota Camry, believed to be involved in the incident.

In Owosso, city officials are inviting homeowners to participate in a new urban beautification initiative. As part of the Consumers Energy Community Street program, residents can have trees planted in the green space between the sidewalk and the street—free of charge. The trees are scheduled to be planted in October.

In higher education news, Michigan State University is expected to officially announce the hiring of Jason Batt as its new athletic director. Batt, currently at Georgia Tech, is reportedly finalizing a six-year contract worth $1.8 million annually. MSU is also expected to pay Georgia Tech over $2 million to buy out the remainder of Batt’s contract. This leadership change comes one month after the university parted ways with former AD Alan Haller.

Finally, two well-known Michigan businesses are merging. Clare-based Cops and Donuts is joining forces with Flint-founded Halo Burger, which is now headquartered in Burton. Under the merger, Cops and Donuts Vice President Greg Reinearson will handle communications, while Halo Burger CEO Ace Dinello will lead the new joint venture. A new Halo Burger location is slated to open in Clinton Township in June.