ADRIAN (WTOL) - Two Adrian men have been charged in connection with the homicide of Chris Dickerson.
Austin Keith Richardson, 24, was arraigned Thursday for charges of homicide-open murder, gang membership felonies, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and felony firearms -- five counts total.
David Curtis Taylor, 33, was also arraigned for being an accessory after the fact to the murder. Taylor is already facing charges in connection to an Adrian home invasion Jan. 26.
Tracena Dickerson has waited three long months for this day, the day she’d finally know what happened to her son after his disappearance in January.
When Lenawee County Sheriff’s detectives called her with the findings of their investigation Wednesday, she knew her journey for closure was beginning.
“I was elated. It was the best Christmas that I could ask for,” Tracena Dickerson said, tearing up outside the courthouse.
Detectives say a tipster led them to Dickerson’s body in Medina Township Feb. 23 — just days after Tracena reported her son missing Feb. 18.
According to the sheriff’s office, evidence revealed that in the early morning hours of Jan. 22, Austin Richardson, David Taylor and Christopher Dickerson entered the wooded area between Munson and Meyerholtz Highways and Morenci and Wabash Roads.
Detectives believe that Richardson drew a Taurus 9 mm handgun, which he had concealed, and shot Dickerson multiple times, ultimately killing him.
According to court documents, Taylor assisted Richardson by disposing of the weapon used in the homicide. Detectives have confirmed Tracena’s suspicions – a gang network is responsible for her son’s death.
“It’s so horrific. They have no clue what they have taken, not just from me but from this entire world. It’s just so unbelievable that anyone could do anything like this,” Tracena said.
Sheriff Troy Bevier said his detectives have tirelessly worked the case nearly every day since Dickerson’s body was discovered. They worked with Adrian City Police and Michigan State Police to piece together all the evidence.
“I just feel very strongly that they took their time, for good reason, on the case to make sure that everything was done correctly. Justice will be served,” Tracena said.
Taylor’s bond was set at $50,000 in District Court. A bond hearing will be set for Richardson.
The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case.