Michigan man who instigated deadly shootout sentenced to 8 years

A 24-year-old man from Holland, Michigan, was sentenced to 100 months in prison last week for charges stemming from a shootout that left the man’s friend dead.

Demetrius Viney, Jr. was charged and convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm following the Sept. 11, 2016, shootout in the Hookah Lounge of Holland parking lot.

Authorities say Viney fired the first shot, resulting in the early morning shootout that mortally wounded 22-year-old Anthony Lamb.

According to court documents, Viney had prior felony convictions for felony police officer assaulting, resisting, obstructing and possession of a controlled substance, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. After the shooting, police located a 9mm handgun under a nearby rock, which was later determined, via DNA testing, to be the weapon used by Viney.

“Instead of becoming a law-abiding citizen, Demetrius Viney, Jr. chose to continue a life of crime, and it led to the death of his friend,” Thomas Chittum, acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, said in a statement announcing the sentence. “His lengthy prison sentence should serve as a warning to others who might consider making similar poor choices.”

Prior to the shooting, authorities say Viney repeatedly threatened his rival before finally acting on the threats.

Two others were arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Adam Rene Young, of Fennville, was charged with murder, manslaughter, carrying a concealed weapon, lying to a peace officer and felony firearm. Aaron Young, who was arrested near Memphis several months after the shooting, is also charged with murder.

In addition to his prison sentence, Viney, who has appealed the court’s decision, is required to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $1,200 fine.

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