Prosecutor to seek involuntary manslaughter charge in girl's death

Thursday, March 2nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Prosecutors will seek an involuntary manslaughter charge against a 19-year-old man believed to have had the gun that a 6-year-old boy allegedly used to shoot a classmate, authorities said today.

The charge would require prosecutors to show gross negligence on the part of Jamelle James for allegedly allowing the little boy to get the .32-caliber semiautomatic gun used in Kayla Rolland's death, Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch said.

The complaint will also allege that James contributed to the delinquency of a minor and as a result, the manslaughter was committed, Busch said. "We were not looking for scapegoats in this case; we were looking for justice for Kayla," Busch said.

"Ultimately that justice will be found in the court of law." James turned himself in Wednesday, police Sgt. Hap Ashley said earlier, and was cooperating during questioning by local investigators and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Busch said investigators believe the gun used in the shooting had been left, apparently loaded, under James' blankets in abedroom at the house where the boy stayed.

James was jailed on outstanding warrants and "miscellaneous charges," Busch said.

Police also arrested the boy's uncle, Sir Marcus B. Winfrey, late Tuesday on an outstanding felony warrant, Busch said. Authorities had said earlier that the gun had been stolen. Investigators also found a stolen 12-gauge shotgun and drugs in the house, the prosecutor said.