4/25/13 - Just days after affirming a sentencing date this week for a Howell man charged with a fatal shooting at a Brighton Township gun range, court officials now say it has again been adjourned. Howell attorney James Buttrey had been representing 19-year-old Jessce Lincon Stearn, who earlier pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and felony firearms counts. But he withdrew as counsel on Monday citing a conflict of interest and was replaced by attorney David Prine. The nature of the conflict was not disclosed, but officials now say the sentencing that was set for this Friday has been moved to May 20th. Stearn faces up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter charge and an additional two years on the felony firearm charge. Police say he was holding a replica AK-47 on June 30th, 2012 at the Livingston Conservation and Sports Association gun range when it discharged and hit Charles Robert Kimball in the head, killing him instantly. Stearn told police the gun discharged while he was cleaning it, but authorities say witness accounts contradicted his claim. In addition, experts were unable to reproduce the malfunction when they tested the weapon. Prosecutors say they filed the manslaughter charge because there was no evidence Stearn intended to kill Kimball, but did deliberately aim the weapon when it fired. Stearn is seeking sentencing under the stateâs Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would erase his conviction from public records if he successfully completes probation. (JK)
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