Port Huron Man Sentenced in 2022 Kalamazoo Homicide

Published on August 12, 2025

A Port Huron man has been sentenced to prison in connection with the 2022 shooting death of a Kalamazoo man.

On Jan. 26, 2022, at approximately 11:30 p.m., McEhrlich Jones drove himself to Bronson Hospital, reporting he had been shot in the area of Krom and Prouty. Mr. Jones sustained critical injuries and remained under medical care until he died on July 27, 2022.

An investigation by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) identified the suspect as Kareem Jabbar Steele, 33, of Port Huron. Steele was later charged in connection with the shooting.

On March 21, 2025, Steele entered a no contest plea to second-degree murder. On Aug. 11, 2025, Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Morse sentenced Steele to 20 to 40 years in prison, with credit for 712 days served.

“The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety extends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Jones,” said Danielle Guilds, Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division. “This case is another example of the persistence and dedication of our detectives to bring justice for victims of violent crime.”

By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton