Two Brothers Face Open Murder Charges in Killing of 26-Year-Old Robert Fletcher Jr.

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. - Three suspects from the Muskegon area have been arraigned in connection with a deadly shooting that claimed the life of Robert Vernell Fletcher Jr. on March 3 in the 2400 block of South Getty Street.

Muskegon Heights Police Chief Maurice Sain announced the charges in a news release, confirming that all three men are in custody and feel confident they have identified everyone responsible for Fletcher's death.

The victim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds before dying at the hospital. Fletcher was just 26 years old when he was killed in this early March shooting.

"Three men from the Muskegon area have been arraigned in the March 3 shooting that claimed the life of Robert Vernell Fletcher Jr.," Chief Sain said in a news release. "He suffered from multiple gunshot wounds before he died at the hospital."

Charges File Against Brothers and Third Suspect

The Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office authorized charges on Friday, March 20, against the following people:

• Jahtavion Malakai Beasley, an 18-year-old from Muskegon, faces open murder and felony firearm
• Travontae Eshon Beasley, a 24-year-old from Muskegon, faces open murder and felony firearm
• Willie Darnell Speech, a 20-year-old from Muskegon Heights, faces accessory after the fact

All three were arraigned in the 60th District Court.

According to Michigan Department of Corrections records, Travontae Beasley was on parole for an assault conviction at the time of the shooting.

Detectives identified four persons of interest the night of the deadly shooting. From there, officers combed through digital evidence, physical evidence and conducted multiple interviews.

Quick Investigation Thanks to Investigative Subpoenas

The case moved quickly, with charges filed just 17 days after the March 3 shooting. Prosecutor D.J. Hilson credits both traditional police work and the use of investigative subpoenas for the speed of the case.

"Outside evidence came pretty quickly," Hilson told 13 ON YOUR SIDE Tuesday. "With our use of the investigative subpoena process... all that combination led to us being able to make these charging decisions pretty quickly."

Investigative subpoenas allow prosecutors to compel witnesses to appear and answer questions under oath during an active investigation. Refusing to cooperate can lead to contempt charges. Lying under oath can result in felony perjury charges, often giving investigators leverage to quickly gather accurate information.

Hilson said the goal is simple: get to the truth.

"Whether it's out on the street with officers or within the four walls of this office... our drive is to get to the truth," Hilson explained.

Community Cooperation Key to Case Breakthrough

Investigators built the case through digital evidence, physical evidence and conducting extensive interviews. Hilson says that combination, along with a healthy dose of community cooperation, helped accelerate the investigation.

"I firmly believe there are plenty of good citizens... that want to do the right thing and come forward," Hilson said.

Investigators now believe everyone responsible for Fletcher's death is in custody.

Fletcher Remembered as Vibrant and Humorous

Fletcher is remembered by family and friends as someone with a vibrant personality and a sense of humor. According to an obituary published by family, Fletcher loved spending time with others, playing video games and embracing his sense of style.

Police Continue to Seek Information

The Muskegon Heights Police Department asked anyone with additional information that could help them with the case to call 231-733-8900 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.