MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office says although someone else fatally shot Peggy Sue Everett, a judge’s ruling on Monday means the passenger in her vehicle on the night she was killed is still heading to trial for open murder.
Everett, 36, was shot June 30 in the area of 8th Street and Columbia after officials say her passenger, Ishmail James Autman, fired his gun in the air near a group of people. Prosecutors say the resulting shootout led to Everett’s death.
Autman, 24, was charged with open murder shortly after Everett’s death. He’s now facing additional charges of discharging a firearm from a vehicle causing death, two felony firearms charges and carrying a concealed weapon, according to Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson.
Prosecutors have called Autman the ‘catalyst’ of the events leading to the homicide, which led to the open murder charge. Muskegon County District Court Judge Harold Closz III ruled Monday that Autman can head to trial for open murder, according to Hilson.
Another person, 17-year-old Martel Deshawn Love, is facing carrying a concealed weapon and tampering with evidence charges in connection with the case.
Everett was a contracted bus driver with Oakridge Public Schools.
