In November 2021, 17-year-old Micah Saint Vanburen was arrested by Brookhaven Police and booked for aggravated assault, and use of deadly weapon.

The Brookhaven resident was accused of shooting into the Coin Laundry building at 900 North Jackson St. in Brookhaven. Charges leveled against Vanburen were shooting into a building, shooting in a motor vehicle and drive-by shooting, as well as conspiracy. He was set to go to trial on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, after three continuances or postponements.

On Monday, Sept. 25, however, Vanburen appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court before Judge David Strong and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault, according to District Attorney Dewitt “Dee” Bates.

Bates said the plea was not recommended by the district attorney’s office, but came from the defendant himself. If convicted of drive-by shooting, Vanburen would have faced up to 30 years in prison. Strong accepted the plea to the lesser charge of aggravated assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Vanburen is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16.