Patron Wanted to Enter, Guard Refused — Fight Escalated Outside Green Door

A Kalamazoo jury convicted 19-year-old Kaiden Cole of first-degree premeditated murder in the April 2025 shooting death of 27-year-old security guard Montine Wiley Jr.

The verdict came March 12, 2026, after a three-day trial. Judge Rebecca D'Angelo will sentence Cole on April 22, 2026.

What Happened That Night

The shooting occurred on April 12, 2025, at the 400 block of East North Street near Porter Street. Wiley was working security at a large private event at Green Door Distilling when an altercation broke out.

"The defendant brings a gun to the party, threatens Montine Wiley, challenges him, calls him outside, arms himself, shoots him and brags about it," said Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ben Norg. "That's not self defense that's murder."

Cole, who was trying to enter the venue, was turned away by Wiley because of capacity limitations. Frustrated, Cole allegedly told Wiley to meet him in the parking lot.

According to prosecutors, Cole pulled a gun, shot Wiley in the chest, and then bragged about the killing to a friend in a van leaving for Battle Creek.

"He confirmed in the van leaving to Battle Creek Kaiden Cole says I shot that N-----," Nord said.

Defense Claimed Self Defense

Cole turned himself in days after the shooting following widespread news coverage and social media pressure, according to investigators.

His defense attorney, Scott Wagner, argued Cole shot the security guard in self defense.

"He wasn't trying to escape from his actions of murder, he was trying to escape from potentially being murdered himself," Wagner said. "He couldn't retreat anymore because as he turned around there's a gun pointed at him. Kaiden Cole acted in self-defense."

Prosecutors said Cole was caught on surveillance camera shooting Wiley, and Cole himself did not deny the shooting.

Charges

Cole faces up to life in prison for the murder. However, due to a 2025 Michigan Supreme Court ruling, Cole is not eligible to be sentenced to life without parole because of his age at the time of the offense.

Cole was originally charged with open murder, felony firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. He was denied bond and held without release.

Other Arrests

Two others were arrested in connection to the incident. Damonte Christopher Jenkins-Gooden, 22, was charged with tampering with evidence and felony firearm. Oscar David Wygant, 20, was charged with accessory after the fact to a felony.

Impact on Community

Captain Danielle Guilds of the Kalamazoo Criminal Investigations Division said the guilty verdict reflects the dedication of investigators and prosecutors who worked to hold the offender accountable.

"While this outcome provides a measure of justice, it cannot undo the profound loss suffered by the victim's loved ones. Gun violence leaves lasting damage, and this case is a tragic reminder that one moment of violence can affect many families."

An estimated 250 people were at the party when the shot was fired. Investigators released images of people who they believed had information on the shooting. Officers were able to contact at least one of those people and ruled them out of the case.

The department credited the widespread coverage of the investigation with pressuring Cole to turn himself in to police.

Sources