37-Year-Old Arrested Nearly 100 Miles Away After Deadly Shooting Outside Child's Birthday Party

A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety fugitive team tracked Nelson Devon Cobas, 37, to Newaygo County where he was arrested Thursday evening in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at a child's birthday party in Kalamazoo.

Cobas was arraigned on Friday, March 13, and a judge denied bond, leaving him in police custody as his case moves through the Kalamazoo County court system.

Fatal Shooting Left One Man Dead, Another Injured

The shooting occurred on February 22 at a home on East Paterson Street between North Burdick Street and Krom Street. Cobas allegedly got into an argument with Jamel Jonte-Jerome Coleman, 35, while they were attending a child's birthday party.

According to Kalamazoo Public Safety, Cobas pulled out a gun during the argument and shot Coleman several times. Coleman died at the hospital. A 33-year-old woman who was also shot has since been treated and released.

Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Authorized Seven Felony Charges

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 the intent to murder
  • Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
  • Carrying a concealed weapon
  • Felony firearm (three counts)

Case Moves Through Kalamazoo County Court System

Cobas was arraigned on all charges on Friday, March 13. The judge denied bond, and he remains in police custody as his case works its way through the courts.

"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."

Cobas was arrested Thursday evening by the United States Marshals Service and the Michigan State Police 6th District Fugitive Team in Newaygo County, nearly 100 miles from where the shooting occurred.