Detroit Jury Acquitted Man in Bar Attack
A jury found Michael Harris not guilty of all charges related to a fatal January brawl.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Violence
A Detroit jury returned a not guilty verdict on Oct. 1 for Michael Harris, who faced charges of first-degree murder, felony firearm, and resisting arrest. The charges stemmed from a deadly brawl outside Chita's Nefertiti's bar.
Why it matters
The acquittal brings closure to the legal proceedings surrounding a violent incident that resulted in one death and one injury. The investigation continues, however, as police have yet to arrest a female suspect identified in the case.
Michael Harris was acquitted of first-degree murder, felony firearm, and resisting arrest on Oct. 1. While the suspect has been cleared, police are still searching for a female suspect involved in the stabbing.
The players
Michael Harris
He was the defendant charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm, and resisting arrest.
Jalen Stevens
He was the victim who died during the violent incident outside the bar.
Glen Stevens
He was the victim who suffered multiple stab wounds during the altercation.
The details
The incident began as a brawl outside Chita's Nefertiti's bar on Grand River Avenue. Police were initially called to the scene for a stabbing investigation when the fatal shooting occurred, leaving Jalen Stevens dead and Glen Stevens injured.
Timeline
The attack occurred outside the bar on Jan. 4.
A jury found the defendant not guilty on Oct. 1.
Legal Context
The acquittal follows broader trends in the Detroit judicial system regarding the prosecution of complex, multi-suspect violent crimes. This case highlights the challenges of securing convictions in incidents involving multiple victims and unidentified suspects.
Residents in the area near Grand River Avenue may continue to see police activity as the investigation into the outstanding female suspect remains open. Authorities have not issued specific new security advisories for the public following the verdict.
The takeaway
The jury's decision highlights the high burden of proof required in complex criminal trials involving multiple victims and participants. Residents should remain aware that the investigation remains active as authorities continue to seek the unidentified female suspect.
Further reading
For more information on local safety and crime trends, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDIV.
