Suspect in 2025 Pontiac High School Graduation Shooting Plot Sentenced

Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges and was sentenced to probation with boot camp.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun with an extended magazine, lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this crime story.The discovery of two firearms hidden in the graduation venue parking lot exposed a chilling plot to target a vulnerable community event.Pontiac Today

One of the men accused of planning a mass shooting at a Pontiac, Michigan high school graduation last June, Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges and was sentenced to three years' probation with 90 days in a Michigan Department of Corrections boot camp. The other suspect, Jamarion Jarvante Hardiman, also pleaded guilty and is expected to be sentenced on April 14, 2026.

Why it matters

The foiled plot to shoot up a high school graduation ceremony in Pontiac highlights the ongoing threat of gun violence at public events and the importance of vigilant security measures to protect vulnerable communities.

The details

On June 3, 2025, a fight broke out during the graduation ceremony at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac. Security broke up the altercation, but it resumed outside in the parking lot, prompting officials to call the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Deputies learned about a social media post indicating a shooting was planned and reviewed security footage, which showed Whaley and Hardiman carrying packages and placing them under parked vehicles. Authorities found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a 40-round drum magazine and a second firearm with an extended magazine under the vehicles, indicating the suspects planned to open fire during the graduation.

  • On June 3, 2025, a fight broke out during the graduation ceremony at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac.
  • On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley was sentenced for his role in the plot.
  • Jamarion Jarvante Hardiman is expected to be sentenced on April 14, 2026.

The players

Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley

A 20-year-old man who pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges for his role in the 2025 plot to shoot up a Pontiac high school graduation.

Jamarion Jarvante Hardiman

A 21-year-old man who also pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges for his role in the 2025 plot to shoot up a Pontiac high school graduation.

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What they’re saying

“Sorry to the community for my actions and my behavior, and I promise going forward, my behavior and my actions will change.”

— Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley

“He has learned, and he is not going to make this mistake again. I can confidently say that.”

— Whaley's defense attorney

“It's the people's position that Mr. Whaley is now in a position where he needs to suffer the consequences of his choices. This was a decision that could have turned very bad, very quickly.”

— The prosecutor

“You are at a crossroads, Mr. Whaley. It's up to you whether you're going to continue on this road or take the exit ramp. If you do not take the exit ramp, I'm going to help you with that.”

— Judge Cheryl Matthews

What’s next

Jamarion Jarvante Hardiman, the other defendant involved in this case, is expected to be sentenced in court on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of gun violence at public events and the importance of vigilant security measures to protect vulnerable communities. It also underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of such crimes and providing support and rehabilitation for offenders.