2 Charged With Premeditated Murder In Slaying Of Gay Man In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Two men have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the fatal shooting of a gay man in Detroit.

Anthony Brock, 28, and Darnell Wilson, 30, were arraigned Friday in 36th District Court on multiple charges including felony murder, armed robbery, carjacking, unlawful imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm, and six counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony in the death of Diano Johnson.

Prosecutors say Brock arranged to meet Johnson on June 19 after the pair connected on Facebook. It's alleged that Brock locked Johnson in the trunk of Johnson's car, then picked up Wilson. It's further alleged that the two men obtained a firearm and drove Johnson to an east side location where they dragged him from the car and shot him multiple times. The following morning, Brock allegedly set Johnson's car on fire, burning his legs in the process.

Johnson's body was discovered by police on June 21. An investigation led to Brock's arrest on June 25; Wilson was arrested July 12. 

Wilson and Brock, who faces an additional charge of arson for allegedly setting Johnson's car on fire, are due back in court on Aug. 2 for a probable cause conference and Aug. 9 for a preliminary hearing. Both remain jailed without bond. 

The Fair Michigan Justice Project assisted the prosecutor's office in the case. The project helps law enforcement officers and prosecutors solve serious crimes against gay, bisexual and transgender people.

"When members of Detroit's LGBTQ community are targets of violence, the Fair Michigan Justice Project is ready to vigorously prosecute these cases," president Alanna Maguire said in a statement. "These horrifying allegations demonstrate the ongoing need for determined efforts to bring justice for all."

If convicted as charged, the pair faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.