Brothers sentenced for killing baby, firing at officers

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — Two brothers were sentenced Tuesday for the death of a baby in Muskegon and for shooting at officers who were investigating the incident.

It was an emotional day as the victim’s mother delivered a statement in a Muskegon courtroom. Now the person responsible for killing her 6-month-old daughter is staring down years in prison.

“You used to be cool in high school. If I would’ve knew you would have my life like this, I would’ve never said two words to you in high school,” said Cory’Asia Washington.

On April 7, 2023, 6-month-old A’Dourr Malone was shot and killed at a home on East Isabella Avenue near Ransom Street in Muskegon.

The person responsible is 22-year old Julio Casiano.

“I’ve got to deal with that for the rest of my life, I don’t get to see my daughter. I don’t get to do her hair and dress her up like her sister, I don’t get none of that. You took that,” Washington said.

Investigators say Casiano opened fire at a group of people outside the home. The shots struck no one besides A’Dourr, who was inside.

This April, Casiano pleaded guilty to charges including second-degree murder and felony firearm. He also pleaded no contest to a charge of gang membership.

“The defendant was in a street war with people of his opposing gang, rival gang members, young people, young people like the defendant. And one fires at someone, someone gets shot and then they have to fire back,” said Kellee Koncki, Muskegon County assistant prosecutor.

Prior to being sentenced, Casiano apologized to A’Dourr’s family for her murder.

“I wish things was different. If I could go back in time and changed the things that occurred that day, I would,” said Casiano.

But ultimately a judge gave him a 28-to-80-year sentence.

“This is a horrific loss, a 6-month-old child because you are upset because someone was making fun of the fact that you got shot or somebody you know got shot,” Judge Matthew Kacel said.

Also on Tuesday, Casiano’s 26-year-old brother Tollie Hatcher was sentenced to 12 years for charges including assault to do great bodily harm and gang membership.

Investigators say Hatcher shot at officers who were looking into A’Dourr’s death.

The judge is calling for an end to violence impacting the area.

“I didn’t think it can get worse than 14, 13 getting killed but 6 months old gets killed. It needs to end and somewhere somebody needs to start,” Kacel said.

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