Nelson Cobas Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Fatal Shooting at Kalamazoo Birthday Party

Nelson Devon Cobas is heading toward trial after a Kalamazoo County judge bound the 37-year-old over for trial in connection with the February 2026 shooting death of 35-year-old Jamel Jonte-Jerome Coleman.

Kalamazoo County District Judge Richard Santoni presided over the preliminary hearing on April 9, at which Cobas was bound over to circuit court to face seven felony charges including open murder and assault with intent to murder.

The shooting occurred on February 22 outside a home on East Paterson Street between North Burdick Street and Krom Street where a child's birthday party was being held. Cobas allegedly got into a verbal altercation with Coleman and pulled out a handgun, shooting Coleman multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Coleman later died at the hospital from his wounds. A 33-year-old woman who was also shot during the incident was treated and released.

Cobas was captured on March 12 in Newaygo County, nearly 100 miles from Kalamazoo, with the help of the United States Marshals Service and the Michigan State Police 6th District Fugitive Team.

"This arrest represents an important step toward justice for the victim and his loved ones," said Captain Danielle Guilds of the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division. "We appreciate the dedication of our investigators and the support of our law enforcement partners, whose assistance helped make this arrest possible."

Seven-Count Felony Warrant

The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office signed off on a seven-count warrant against Cobas on February 26. The charges include:

  • Open murder
  • Assault with intent to murder
  • Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
  • Carrying a concealed weapon
  • Three counts of felony firearm

Cobas was arraigned before Judge Richard Santoni on March 13 and denied bond. He will remain in police custody as the case moves through the court system toward trial.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (269) 337-8139 or submit tips anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at (269) 343-2100.

Judge Santoni

Judge Richard Santoni has presided over the case from the initial arraignment through the preliminary hearing. The case now proceeds to circuit court where Cobas will face trial on all seven felony charges.