15-year-old arraigned on murder charge in death of Democratic official

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 11 — A 15-year-old teen was arraigned in Lansing this afternoon in connection with the Sunday shooting death of Ingham County Democratic Party secretary Theodore “Ted” Lawson.

Judge Anthony Flores in 54A District Court in downtown Lansing arraigned the teen, Lamar Patrick Kemp, via video. Kemp gave a Jolly Road address.

During today's arraignment, the prosecution released new details, saying Kemp is seen on a video making a beeline to Lawson, asking for money and Lawson's denial.

Kemp, of Lansing, who is on probation, is charged with open murder, which is a life offense, as well as carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm. His next court date is Oct. 20 for a probable cause hearing. A preliminary examination has been set for Oct. 27.

Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor Joel Martinez argued for the teen to be held in the county jail and not a youth detention facility, noting the teen has a history of violent activity dating back to age 11. Martinez said in addition to the video, police have witnesses and ballistics as evidence as officers found a .22-caliber handgun and shell at the scene.

Kemp's public defender argued that his client should be held in a juvenile facility.

Flores denied Kemp bond and remanded him to the Ingham County Jail.

Police said Monday that Lawson was shot while canvassing in support of Lansing City Council at-large candidate Trini Lopez Pevlivanoglu, who was in the courtroom during the arraignment, in the 1100 block of North Jenison Avenue around 3 p.m. Sunday when he was shot.

Lawson was taken to an area hospital where he later died. Two members of Lawson’s family were in the courtroom for arraignment.