Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

An Ingham County judge this week declared a mistrial after a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict in the case against a Lansing man charged in the 2025 death of a Fowlerville man.

Ingham County prosecutors allege 24-year-old David Gaines Jr. punched 20-year-old Caleb Shermoe in the face outside an East Lansing restaurant in January 2025, causing him to fall and hit his head. Shermoe died of his injuries in the hospital days later.

Gaines faced a charge of involuntary manslaughter, but jurors informed the court they could not reach a unanimous verdict. Both sides agreed to a mistrial, allowing prosecutors to possible re-try the case.

Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.