Teens, both 18, face murder, weapons, armed robbery charges in death of Highland friends
Susan Vela
An armed robbery may have led to the shooting deaths of two young friends in White Lake Township, prosecutors allege.
Steven Dean Morrow and Jesse James Wright, both 18, were arraigned Wednesday, May 25, on eight counts each that could lead to life in prison if they are convicted.
They each face two counts of homicide, four weapons charges and two counts of armed robbery.
Judge Joseph Fabrizio of the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston said prosecutors allege the armed robbery was over money, backpack and a watch.
Morrow and Wright apparently were acquainted with the deceased Cameron Duckworth, 20, and Drake Mancuso, 16.
According to White Lake police, the accused Morrow and Wright devised a plan to rob Duckworth and Mancuso. They all drove to Cedarbrook Estates and agreed to visit a wooded area near the pond within the manufactured home community along LeGrand Boulevard, south of M-59.
Shrouded by woods, Morrow allegedly drew a pistol and fatally shot Duckworth and Mancuso. Morrow returned to the vehicle that Wright was driving, and they apparently fled from the area to dispose of evidence.
Fabrizio denied bond for both Morrow of Highland Township and Wright of White Lake Township during the May 25 hearing.
Some in the packed courtroom supported the bond decision by uttering “yes.”
Fabrizio also scheduled the duo's next court appearances for June.
Parents of Duckworth and Mancuso declined comment.
Their children were found deceased from multiple gunshot wounds near the Cedarbrook Estates pond the morning of May 21.
They had been hanging out the night before.
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Contact reporter Susan Vela at svela@hometownlife.com or 248-303-8432. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.