Tamarion Ladon Pugh was 18 when he was killed on May 21, 2023, following a confrontation at the former Baymont Inn in Mt. Morris Township, Flint. Known to family and friends as Butt Butt, he enjoyed fishing, boxing, cooking, football, basketball, singing and writing music. The incident began when 17-year-old Martaveon Lamar Lewis, reportedly with a separate group at the hotel, went to Pugh’s room demanding entry and threatening to shoot his way in. Lewis entered armed with a .40 caliber Glock modified into an automatic and live-streamed the encounter. Pugh suggested moving the dispute to the hallway; testimony says Lewis struck Pugh first, Pugh then fired two shots, and Lewis immediately fired 22 rounds in about two seconds. Pugh was struck multiple times and died at the scene; a 33-year-old female bystander was hit in the forehead and survived.

Lewis was arrested and later convicted by a jury on multiple felonies including second-degree murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, unlawful imprisonment and firearm charges; the prosecution argued Lewis was the initial aggressor and could not claim self-defense. Another participant, Quan Wade, was sentenced to 725 days, credited as time served, and ordered to pay fines and fees.

Did anyone have contact with Tamarion in the days before May 21 who might add details about what led to the hotel confrontation?