Jury Selection Underway For Saginaw Man Accused In Fatal 2024 Armed Robbery Of Teen During Staged Gun Sale

Jury selection starts for Donsha Wesby-Whitley, accused of killing an 18-year-old in a 2024 Saginaw robbery. Read the full courtroom update.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 4:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from MLive

Trial Commences Following 2024 Homicide

Jury selection is currently in progress for the trial of Donsha G. Wesby-Whitley before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello. Wesby-Whitley, along with co-defendant Antrell D. Wright, 26, is charged with the April 12, 2024, killing of Tyreion L. Thomas. The prosecution’s case relies heavily on a combined 34 charges, including felony murder and multiple firearms offenses. While Wright has not entered a formal plea agreement, he is expected to serve as a key witness for the prosecution, reprising testimony he previously provided regarding the events that led to the teenager’s death.

Testimony Details Premeditated Robbery Plot

In prior court hearings, Wright detailed a scheme allegedly conceived by Wesby-Whitley to recover $100 Wright had borrowed. According to testimony, Wesby-Whitley suggested staging a gun sale to rob a potential buyer. Wright coordinated a meeting with Thomas near Bay Street and Congress Avenue, where Thomas intended to purchase and trade handguns. Wright testified that as the transaction began inside a white Jeep, Wesby-Whitley, who had been concealed in the vehicle's hatchback area, emerged and held a firearm to the back of Thomas’ head.

Fatal Shooting During Flight Attempt

The encounter turned lethal when Thomas attempted to flee the vehicle. Wright testified that under Wesby-Whitley’s direction, he searched Thomas’ pockets, seizing a phone, wallet, and cash. As Thomas opened the door to run, Wesby-Whitley allegedly fired, striking the 18 year old in the back. Following the shooting, the suspects led multiple law enforcement agencies on a high speed pursuit that transitioned onto Interstate 75 and ended with a crash in a field in Buena Vista Township. Thomas was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.