The Bruce Embry murder case ended with a Kalamazoo, Michigan jury convicting Embry of first-degree premeditated murder in July 2016 for the shooting death of his 17-year-old step-grandson, Temetrion Hegler, inside the family’s home. Embry, then 53, is serving a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. His sentencing hearing became widely known locally after the teenager’s uncle lunged at him from the victim-impact podium and had to be tackled by deputies.
The Shooting on Lane Boulevard
On the afternoon of January 6, 2016, Embry shot Temetrion Hegler in the head at the home they shared with Hegler’s grandmother, Iqullia Hegler, in the 1400 block of Lane Boulevard. Temetrion, a senior at Loy Norrix High School who hoped to attend Michigan State University, was pronounced dead at the scene.1MLive. Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder
Iqullia Hegler testified that the confrontation began when Embry told her Temetrion had missed school that day. Temetrion responded by telling his grandmother he had overheard Embry on the phone with another woman. Embry then pulled a gun and fired.1MLive. Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder
When officers entered the residence, Embry walked toward them with his hands raised. A detective later described his voice as “calm and clear” as he said, “I shot him,” followed by, “Take me to jail.” Police recovered a .25 caliber handgun in a bedroom.2Fox 17. Grandfather Charged in Murder of Kalamazoo Teen3WWMT. Kalamazoo Man Officially Charged in Step-Grandson’s Death
Charges and Prior Record
Embry was arraigned on January 8, 2016, on open murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of felony firearm, and held without bond. At the arraignment he told the court, “I did not mean to shoot that young man.”2Fox 17. Grandfather Charged in Murder of Kalamazoo Teen4MLive. I Did Not Mean to Shoot That Young Man
The firearm charges and a third-time habitual offender enhancement rested on Embry’s prior record. He was a registered sex offender, having pleaded no contest in 1997 and been convicted in May 1998 in Calhoun County’s 37th Circuit Court of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving force or coercion. He also had a 2005 armed robbery conviction and a prior felony larceny conviction.5WWMT. Kalamazoo Man Awaiting Arraignment on Murder Charge4MLive. I Did Not Mean to Shoot That Young Man
The Trial and Verdict
The case was tried in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court before Judge Pamela Lightvoet, with County Prosecutor Jeff Getting representing the state. On July 15, 2016, the jury convicted Embry of first-degree premeditated murder, felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of felony firearm, and being a third-time habitual offender.1MLive. Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder
The state’s case leaned on Iqullia Hegler’s eyewitness account. She testified that she saw Embry draw the gun and shoot her grandson after the phone-call revelation. Under Michigan law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole.1MLive. Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder
Sentencing and the Courtroom Outburst
Embry was sentenced on August 15, 2016. During victim impact statements, Temetrion’s uncle Willie Warren addressed him from the podium: “He ain’t never did nothing to you Bruce. Never. He never disrespected you. He never cursed you. He never did nothing.” Warren stopped mid-sentence, left the podium, and lunged at Embry. Deputies tackled him inches from the defendant and restrained him on the floor, where he sobbed that Embry “killed my baby brother.”6Fox 17. Outburst in Kalamazoo Courtroom7MLive. Watch Chaos Erupt in Courtroom
Embry was escorted out through a side door as family members in the gallery began arguing and attempting to fight. Judge Lightvoet delayed proceedings by at least an hour and asked that children be removed from the courtroom before resuming.7MLive. Watch Chaos Erupt in Courtroom
Iqullia Hegler also spoke to Embry during the hearing. “He never caused you any harm. He never was a threat to you. You killed my son. You killed him out of me,” she said, describing the trauma of witnessing the shooting. “He missed out on his graduation. He missed out on his 18th birthday. You took his dreams away.”6Fox 17. Outburst in Kalamazoo Courtroom After the courtroom cleared, she told reporters she partially apologized for her son’s actions but added, “That was his little brother, and for this man to take his life, it hurt us. It devastated us. It left us in pieces.”7MLive. Watch Chaos Erupt in Courtroom
Judge Lightvoet imposed the mandatory life sentence, noting she had not seen much remorse from Embry. “It doesn’t make sense. It’s just such a waste of a life. It should have never happened,” she said.7MLive. Watch Chaos Erupt in Courtroom
Appeal and Current Status
Embry pursued appellate proceedings in the Michigan Court of Appeals under Docket No. 371902, tied to lower court case number 2016-000036-FC. In October 2024, the Court of Appeals denied a motion for reconsideration, leaving the conviction and sentence intact.8Justia. People of MI v. Bruce Embry
Embry, born March 1, 1962, remains incarcerated in the Michigan Department of Corrections under MDOC number 0594812. He is listed as a compliant registrant on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry, with a last verification date of October 1, 2025.9Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Offender Details – Bruce Embry