Two Detroit men charged in 2024 homicide at abandoned school

Jalen Davon Williams and Hodari Heatley face felony murder and armed robbery charges.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Two men, Jalen Davon Williams and Hodari Heatley, have been charged nearly two years after the body of 21-year-old Mason Tabor was found in an abandoned Detroit school building. Prosecutors allege the suspects fired multiple shots, striking Tabor, and then robbed him before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Detroit faces with abandoned buildings becoming sites of violent crime, as well as the importance of law enforcement working to solve cold cases and bring closure to victims' families.

The details

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Williams and Heatley, both from Detroit, were arraigned on felony murder, premeditated first-degree murder and armed robbery charges. Williams was also charged with three counts of felony firearm, while Heatly was charged with four counts of felony firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

  • On December 16, 2024, Williams and Heatley allegedly fired multiple shots, striking Tabor in the old Stewart Academy on Wildemere Street.
  • The suspects were arraigned on the charges in March 2026, nearly two years after the incident.

The players

Jalen Davon Williams

A 25-year-old Detroit resident charged with felony murder, premeditated first-degree murder, armed robbery, and three counts of felony firearm.

Hodari Heatley

A 29-year-old Detroit resident charged with felony murder, premeditated first-degree murder, armed robbery, four counts of felony firearm, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Mason Tabor

A 21-year-old man from Fenton, Michigan, who was the victim of the homicide.

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What’s next

Williams and Heatley are due back in court on March 16 for a probable cause conference and on March 23 for a preliminary examination.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges Detroit faces with abandoned buildings becoming sites of violent crime, and the importance of law enforcement working to solve cold cases and bring closure to victims' families.