News Summary
In a recent court ruling, all charges against Robert Pugh, including attempted murder and firearm offenses, were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The incident dated back to April 2023 when Pugh allegedly shot an 18-year-old autistic teenager, Claude Woosk, after a confrontation. Testimonies were conflicting, raising questions about the case’s credibility. The prosecution is considering an appeal, and the community remains attentive to potential further developments.
Detroit – An attempted murder charge against 47-year-old Robert Pugh has been dismissed by Detroit’s 36th District Court due to insufficient evidence. Judge Ronald Giles determined that there was no probable cause to send Pugh to trial during a preliminary examination, resulting in the dismissal of all charges, including assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, and three counts of using a firearm during a felony.
Pugh had been accused of shooting 18-year-old Claude Woosk, an autistic teenager, after Woosk was mistakenly dropped off in the Lenox Street and East Warren Avenue area of Detroit. The incident occurred on April 9, 2023, when Woosk took a photo of a house in an attempt to locate himself after being left in the area. According to police, Pugh confronted Woosk and allegedly fired multiple shots as Woosk walked away from the residence toward Warren Avenue.
During the incident, Woosk suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back and required hospitalization for his injuries. Pugh’s attorney argued that the video evidence presented by the prosecutors did not capture Pugh firing any shots and did not show his presence at the scene. Additionally, a neighbor of Pugh testified regarding the events leading to the shooting but confirmed that he did not witness the actual shooting itself. This neighbor, Gary Currenton, stated that he observed Pugh armed and heard him instruct Woosk to run before the gunshots were fired.
In a significant development, Woosk himself testified that he did not take any photos or engage in conversation prior to being shot. He recounted being approached by an unidentified individual who shot him in the back twice. This discrepancy in testimonies raised questions about the case, especially in light of Woosk’s autism diagnosis, which was not fully considered during the legal proceedings.
The Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Maria Miller, representing the prosecutor’s office, expressed the belief that the case warranted a jury trial and is currently assessing the possibility of an appeal against the judge’s ruling. Judge Giles highlighted the absence of witnesses who could confirm the identity of the shooter, further complicating the prosecution’s case.
The dismissal of Pugh’s charges was granted without prejudice, meaning that the prosecutor’s office retains the option to re-file the charges in the future should new evidence come to light or should the circumstances change significantly. This ruling leaves the community awaiting any potential developments regarding the incident.
The case has highlighted the complexities involved in legal proceedings, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations such as individuals with autism. The court’s decision underscores the critical need for compelling evidence in criminal cases to ensure that justice is served, while also raising awareness about the challenges faced by victims who may struggle to communicate their experiences effectively.
As the prosecutor’s office evaluates its next steps, community advocates are paying close attention to ensure that all parties involved receive just treatment as the case evolves. The clock is now ticking, with the possibility of re-filing charges looming as the situation continues to develop.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Autism
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Google Search: Detroit shooting autistic teen
- WXYZ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
- CBS News
- Google News: Detroit autistic teen shooting
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
