Edsel Carter, 66, of Niles was arraigned Saturday, according to Det. Sgt. Fabian Suarez with the Michigan State Police, and released on bond after what seems to have been an accidental shooting shortly after midnight Saturday.

Carter faces charges of possessing an unregistered firearm and reckless use of a firearm causing death.

The death caused was that of Jose Mercedes Ramirez-Velazquez, 35, Carter’s neighbor.
Shortly after midnight Saturday, as Ramirez-Velazquez held a New Year’s Eve party at his home on Cass Street in Niles, police say Carter brought the firearm with him to residence.

Police say their investigation revealed the shooting appeared to be accidental. Ramirez-Velazquez suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles.

Suarez said according to reports taken during the investigation Carter and Ramirez-Velazquez seemed to be best friends.

No date has been scheduled as of yet for when Carter will appear in court and details surrounding services for Ramirez-Velazquez are pending.