(WXYZ) — U.S. Marshals are trying to track down a man accused of shooting his friend in the back in a twisted attempted murder.
After nearly a year of looking for Jaelynne Powers, police now need your help.
According to the Marshals, after shooting his friend, Powers allegedly stood over his the victim and professed his love for him.
"lt’s just senseless violent crime, it is completely senseless – look at my back, I get shot in the back right? Right shoulder back area – another two inches cold determine this guys life," said Assistant Chief Deputy Aaron Garcia.
But trouble came to a head between Powers and his friend last summer.
"These guys were old friends, associates, played football growing up, they knew each other a long time- apparently they had a beef between the two," said Garcia.
The two came face-to-face, police say.
"He sees the fugitive-Powers, pull up with a gun, so he immediately takes off," Garcia said.
Police say the victim knew Powers was looking for him.
"The victim runs, starts running – he’s shot in the back," said Garcia.
The surprising twist?
"Powers goes over the body, laying on the ground, puts the gun to his head and basically says you’re lucky I love you," said Garcia.
An interesting sentiment for the man he's accused of trying to kill.
"He put a bullet in his associate, friend whatever you want to call him, somebody he’s known for several years," Garcia said. "He put a bullet in his back."
Now the Marshals fear what Powers will do to someone, he doesn’t supposedly “love.”
"It would be a lot more serious consequences if that bullet was two or 3 inches to the left," Garcia said. "We may be talking about a homicide."
At just 22-years-old, Powers has a long criminal history: assault on police officers, narcotics, weapon arrests, burglary, larceny arrests.
Jaelynne Powers is 5’11” and 190 pounds.
"This is a guy from the east side, we believe he’s on the east side area, high crime area, we believe that he is going to be on the east side and still in the city of Detroit," said Garcia.
The Marshals say getting Powers off the street will make Detroit a safer place.
"It’s been proven time and time again that the guys who commit these crimes with their violent criminal histories are going to continue to commit crimes and it is our duty here in the great city of Detroit to focus on these guys, to target them, to put them in jail to keep the citizens safe," said Garcia. "We’re going to continue to push forward."
As always, there's a reward for any information leading to the arrest of Jaelynne Powers. You can call the U.S. Marshals anytime at (313) 234-5656.
