A deadly assault on Grand Rapids’ Westside stemmed from a drug deal gone bad, according to an individual familiar with the situation.

The victim, 48-year-old Nnaemeka Basil Okonkwo, was found on Sept. 13 at 1:30 a.m. at Bridge Street and National Avenue. His wounds were consistent with an assault, per a Grand Rapids Police Department press release. 

The department announced a charge of open murder against Mario Carter, age 56, in connection with Okonkwo’s death. According to Kent County Jail records, Carter had been booked on Sept. 16 for allegedly operating with a high blood alcohol content and for stolen property in amounts above $200.

Both Okonkwo and Carter were addicted to drugs, alleged the source, who requested not to be named but provided verification for knowing Carter. 

On the night of the fatal assault, Carter sold Okonkwo drugs, after which Okonkwo claimed they were fake and demanded his money back, the source alleged. The two men began fighting, which the source said led to Okonkwo’s death.

When asked for confirmation, a GRPD spokesperson referred the Grand Rapids Herald to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, as charges were pending. 

According to an affidavit of probable cause, GRPD reviewed hours of surveillance footage that allegedly showed Carter at the scene, assaulting Okonkwo and fleeing. 

GRPD officers attempted lifesaving measures, but Okonkwo was declared dead at the scene, per a GRPD press release.

The source said she knew the two men from Douglas Park on the city’s Westside. At the time of Okonkwo’s death, both had access to housing, the source said. 

Carter was previously homeless, said Shannon Stiles, who said she and Carter had shared a homeless camp for a period. In her experience, Carter had never been aggressive. Stiles called the news surprising and sad. Carter had begun using methamphetamines at the beginning of the pandemic, she claimed.

“Mario was a good dude in a bad situation. Him and basil (sic) were friends but drugs and homelessness make people do things they normally wouldn’t do,” Stiles said via text message.

Carter had served prison time for domestic violence and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections database. He was discharged in May of 2020.

Write to juliana@grherald.com