Two men face charges in death of Lawton man

By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com

LAWTON – A 20-year-old Lawton man and a 19-year-old Paw Paw man face charges in the death of another Lawton man, according to a press release from the Lawton Police Department.
On Nov. 12, at approximately 6:50pm, Lawton Fire and Lawton Police departments responded to a medical incident in the 100 block of Durkee Street in the Village of Lawton. Medical personnel from Lawton’s Quick Response, Lawton Police and Fire departments attempted resuscitating efforts, but the patient passed away on scene.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with friends and loved ones of the deceased, Aaron Wheeler, a 28-year-old Lawton resident, during this extremely difficult time,” said a press release from the Lawton Police Department.
On Nov. 12, Lawton Police Department, with assistance from Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the death.
On Nov. 15, the Lawton Police Department signed a two-count warrant for homicide/open murder and weapons violation against Aydon Bannister, 20, of Lawton, in connection with the death of Wheeler. A second five count warrant was also authorized for Bannister for unlawful imprisonment, weapons violation, interfering with a police investigation, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon. Bannister was arrested on Nov. 15. Bonds were set at $2 million and $500,000.
Additionally, a five-count warrant was signed for Braydn Martin, 19, of Paw Paw, for unlawful imprisonment, weapons violation, interfering with a police investigation, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.
Martin was arrested Nov. 12. Bond was set at $500,000 and $500,000.
Both men were arraigned Nov. 15, in 7th District court before Judge Michael McKay.
The Lawton Police Department encourages anyone with information pertaining to this on-going investigation to contact the Lawton Police Department.