Detroit funeral home director given $100K bond in fatal shooting of cousin

Detroit — A 37-year-old Detroit man was given a $100,000 bond Thursday as he faces a charge of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a relative Monday morning outside the family funeral home.

Major Clora Jr., 37, is charged with second-degree murder and felony firearm. 

Monday:Man slain outside funeral home on Detroit's east side

The homicide took place about 10:35 a.m. Monday at the Clora Funeral Home, on the 5800 block of East Seven Mile.

Clora is director of the funeral home, the prosecutor's office said.

Police said the victim, a 58-year-old man, allegedly took a swing at his younger cousin. The fight took place in a rear parking lot at the facility.

Police say the suspect allegedly pulled a gun and fired a single shot, killing his relative.

The victim died at the scene, and the suspect was arrested there. 

Clora was arraigned by video from the Detroit Detention Center. He wore a black sport coat and was represented by two defense attorneys: William Otis Culpepper and Jeffrey Collins, both of Detroit.

Culpepper said Clora would stand mute, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

"Facts make cases, and I believe the facts will exonerate my client," Culpepper said. "The facts will show this is even less than manslaughter."

Citing Clora's track record as a lifelong area resident and owner of three businesses, Culpepper said "the likelihood of flight is minimal. There is no chance that there's any reason for him to abscond."

Culpepper asked for a "moderate" bond, but did not mention a number.

Magistrate Joseph Boyer of Detroit's 36th District Court said he was "inclined to make a more significant bond," but for Culpepper's arguments. He set the bond at $100,000. If Clora does post bond, he cannot possess guns.

Clora is due back in court Aug. 20 for a probable cause conference and Aug. 27 for a preliminary exam. Both are before Judge Kenneth King.