State Roundup

Flint Teen shot on bus starting anti-violence group FLINT, Mich. (AP) -- A 17-year-old who was shot in the chest in October by a bullet that passed through the rear of a public bus in Flint is working to fight violence. Television station WEYI reports that Dwayne "DJ" Williams made a full recovery after being shot while riding the Mass Transportation Authority bus. Now, he's working with his church to start a group called "SWAGG." That stands for Students Working Against Gangs and Gun violence. Williams was on his way to the International Academy of Flint at the time of the shooting. No other injuries were reported among the nearly two dozen passengers on the bus. Authorities said at the time they thought the shooting was random because the bus was wrapped in an advertisement, making it impossible to see inside. Mount Pleasant Body of Isabella County woman found at home MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities say the body of an Isabella County woman whose 4-year-old son was the subject of a weekend Amber Alert has been found at her home. The Morning Sun reports 34-year-old Stephanie Fish was apparently fatally shot in Weidman, about 12 miles northwest of Mount Pleasant. The child was found safe Sunday during a traffic stop in Genesee County with a 35-year-old man, who was in custody Monday. Stephanie Fish was last seen Friday night. The Amber Alert was issued Sunday and the search initially was handled as a missing persons case. The sheriff's department says the death may have stemmed from a domestic dispute and a .22-caliber rifle was seized as possible evidence. An autopsy was planned. Flint Congressman denies sex abuse 50 years ago WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Michigan congressman on Sunday fiercely denied allegations by distant relatives that he sexually abused a then-12-year-old second cousin several decades ago. U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, a Democrat who has represented his hometown of Flint and the surrounding area for 34 years, issued a statement calling the 50-year-old allegations "completely false and shameful." The Washington Times first reported the allegations and posted on its website video interviews with the alleged victim's mother, stepfather and sister. Kildee, who plans to retire next year, accused the relatives of working with "political adversaries to destroy my reputation by lying about something that never took place." The congressman said the allegations surfaced during his last congressional race but were rejected by authorities and news organizations. They have apparently resurfaced in an effort to win the open seat in 2012, Kildee said. Kildee charged that the accusers may have been motivated by blackmail and that he made a formal report to the FBI when one of the relatives asked him for money and federal benefits. Kildee also distributed a copy of a letter, dated Jan. 12, 1988, which he says is the last communication he has had with his second cousin, the alleged victim. The letter addresses the congressman as "My Dear Cousin Dale" and asks for assistance in combating hunger in Zimbabwe. The newspaper story names but doesn't quote the alleged victim. The Associated Press was unable to reach him or his relatives for comment on Sunday. Published: Tue, Nov 22, 2011