A 37-year-old Kalamazoo man accused of shooting two people and killing one outside a child's birthday party is now heading toward trial.

Nelson Devon Cobas was bound over to circuit court on Thursday, April 9, at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing by Kalamazoo County District Judge Richard Santoni. The case involves the February 22 shooting that left Jamel Jonte-Jerome Coleman, 35, dead.

The shooting occurred outside a building where a child's birthday party was being held. Cobas allegedly got into a shouting match with Coleman. During the argument, Cobas pulled out a gun and shot Coleman multiple times before jumping into a vehicle and fleeing the scene.

A second woman who was shot was treated for her injuries but survived. Coleman died at the hospital.

Capture After Manhunt

Cobas was arrested on March 12 in Newaygo County, nearly 100 miles from Kalamazoo. The U.S. Marshals and Michigan State Police fugitive team tracked the 37-year-old down after he had been on the run for two weeks.

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

Cobas was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Jamel Coleman on February 22. Four days after the shooting, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office signed off on a seven-count felony warrant for Cobas.

Charges Face Cobas

Cobas faces charges including:

  • Open murder
  • Assault with intent to murder
  • Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
  • Illegally carrying a concealed weapon
  • Use of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Three counts of felony firearm

Cobas was arraigned on all charges on Friday, March 13, before Judge Richard Santoni. Bond was denied, and he remains in police custody as the case moves through the court system.

Judge's Reaction to Video Evidence

The preliminary hearing drew attention after a video of the shooting circulated online. Judge Santoni described the video as harrowing during the hearing.

"It was 'clear as day' that Cobas killed Coleman and shot the woman," Santoni said. "The video shows the shooting and a man dying right in front of us which is a very, very sad thing, especially with a kids' birthday party."

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety had put out a notice March 2 warning residents that Cobas was still at large and was "armed and dangerous." The department asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139 or submit tips anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line.

The arrest was made with assistance from the United States Marshals Service and the Michigan State Police 6th District Fugitive Team.

Case Status

The case is now proceeding to circuit court for trial. Cobas will face the full weight of the charges as the court determines his fate in this tragic incident that disrupted a community celebration.

Sources: