Grand Rapids Shooter Sentenced to Prison
Cartiyae Pascal received a 24 to 40-year prison sentence following an attempted murder conviction.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Crime — General
A Grand Rapids court sentenced 18-year-old Cartiyae Pascal to 24 to 40 years in prison for the attempted murder of a 20-year-old man. Pascal was convicted by a jury for the shooting, which took place at a local liquor store.
Why it matters
The prosecution secured a high-end sentence for Pascal citing significant concerns regarding community safety and the defendant's pattern of violent behavior. Pascal represented himself during his trial.
Pascal received a sentence of 24 to 40 years in prison after a jury convicted him of attempted murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm. He remains held in the Kent County Jail awaiting his next trial.
The players
Cartiyae Pascal
He is an 18-year-old defendant who was convicted of attempted murder and awaits trial on a separate homicide charge.
Amillier Penn
He was a 15-year-old victim who died after being shot eight times in June 2024.
Kent County Jail
This facility is currently housing the defendant while he awaits his upcoming murder trial.
The details
Surveillance footage captured Pascal shooting a 20-year-old man five times at Liquor City on September 1, 2024. Pascal, who reportedly told a relative he had caught his first body, now faces a separate murder trial for the June 2024 death of 15-year-old Amillier Penn.
Timeline
June 2, 2024: Amillier Penn was shot eight times.
September 1, 2024: The attempted murder occurred at Liquor City.
October 1, 2026: The court sentenced Pascal.
November 30, 2026: The scheduled start date for the separate murder trial.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows a pattern established by local judicial trends concerning repeat violent offenders. The case reflects broader regional efforts to address rising violent crime statistics among youth through significant prison sentences.
The conviction and sentencing of this individual provide a measure of resolution regarding the incident at Liquor City. Residents are advised that the defendant remains in custody at the Kent County Jail pending his upcoming court proceedings.
The takeaway
This case highlights the serious legal consequences for youth defendants involved in repeated acts of gun violence. Legal experts note that self-representation in criminal trials often presents significant challenges for defendants facing long-term prison sentences.
What happens next
Cartiyae Pascal is scheduled to stand trial for the murder of Amillier Penn beginning November 30, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on local legal developments, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
