Michael Barrera
Local news
A 24-year-old Pearsall, Texas, man will be sentenced Monday in the accidental shooting of a Port Huron woman.
Michael Barrera pleaded guilty in district court Oct. 6 to carrying with unlawful intent, a 5-year felony, and careless discharge of a firearm causing serious injury or death, a 2-year high court misdemeanor.
Port Huron police Detective Sgt. Brian Georgia said Barrera was charged in relation to the Sept. 13, 2014, fatal shooting of 40-year-old Nellie Jo Pearson.
Charles Joshua Kelly was sentenced in May to three to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the shooting.
Kelly pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm while under the influence causing death, a 15-year felony, and using a controlled substance, a one-year misdemeanor.
Senior Assistant Prosecutor Mona Armstrong said Barrera has cooperated during the investigation and voluntarily returned from Texas for his September arraignment.
“You had individuals who were intoxicated who were playing with (the firearm), dry firing it, and that is a recipe for disaster,” Armstrong said.
“It did not appear and does not appear that it was an intentional act to harm someone but, regardless, there’s still criminal responsibility.”
Barrera’s lawyer, Dan Damman, said his client has remained in custody since his arraignment.
“To say he is remorseful is an understatement,” Damman said. “He very clearly recognizes that his actions have done damage than can never be undone.”
