Suspect in downstate murder arrested in Watersmeet

By Daily Globe STAFF

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Watersmeet — A man wanted for the murder of a 14-year-old downstate was taken into custody in Watersmeet Friday without incident.

Detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team arrested Juan Sandro Cabrera, 18, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Friday at a home in Watersmeet, according to a Michigan State Police news release, after receiving information from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department about Cabrera’s location.

Cabrera, who is facing open murder, felony firearm possession and gang membership charges, was held in the Gogebic County Jail until he was transported downstate Saturday.

Cabrera is accused of shooting Troy “TJ” Wells, 14, at a Hampton Inn in Holland downstate at 12:04 a.m. Feb. 16.

Wells was shot multiple times with an AR-style-rifle in the hallway of the hotel during a dispute, the Holland Sentinel reported.

Wells was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department told the Daily Globe they believe Cabrera is a member of the Latin Kings.

Cabrera was denied bond at his arraignment Monday, the Sentinel reported.