Second Conviction Secured in 2023 Mother’s Day Drive-By Shooting

Published on January 07, 2026

A Kalamazoo man pleaded guilty this week in connection with a deadly drive-by shooting that occurred on Mother’s Day 2023.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, Andrew Johnson, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and felony firearm charges just prior to the start of a jury trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 2, 2026, before Judge Bridenstine.

This marks the second conviction stemming from the May 14, 2023, shooting in the 500 block of Ada Street, which killed 33-year-old Marcus Pierce and injured two others. The drive-by shooting occurred in broad daylight and targeted a Northside residence, which was also struck by gunfire. A 58-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man sustained nonfatal gunshot wounds during the incident.

Co-defendant Demario Deonte Jackson previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is currently serving an 18- to 50-year prison sentence.

A third defendant, Dontaviour Lawrel Smith, 23, was extradited to Michigan from Georgia in 2025 on a nine-count felony warrant following a coordinated effort with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Smith is scheduled for a preliminary examination Jan. 30, 2026, before Judge Jones.

“This second conviction is another step toward justice for the victim and their family, and we remain committed to holding everyone involved accountable,” said Capt. Danielle Guilds of the Criminal Investigations Division.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139 or provide tips anonymously through Kalamazoo Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, the P3Tips app, or www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com

By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton

Figure 1 - Andrew Johnson