Benton Guilty in Murder of Six-Year-Old Jonaries Holden

A Genesee County Circuit Court found Davontrae J. Benton guilty in the murder of six-year-old Jonaries Holden yesterday.

Benton, 26, was found guilty of Second Degree Murder, four counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, and Felony Firearm in the November 1, 2010 shooting death of Jonaries on Flint Park Boulevard near King Avenue in Flint.

According to testimony, Jonaries' father and his girlfriend, Jonaries and two other children were in a car when Benton approached them to ask about a $60 debt that Benton was owed. Holden claimed Benton then fired a shot that hit his son.

After the verdict was read, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said "there are never any winners in a situation like this. But, I can tell you that justice has been served and I am pleased that we were able to convict this man and hold him accountable for his actions in the death of little Jonaries Holden."

A sentencing date for Benton has been scheduled for April 30th.