GARDEN CITY (WWJ) - Bond has been denied for a 35-year-old man charged with first degree murder in the death of an off-duty Detroit police officer in Garden City.
According to Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson of Garden City and the victim -- 34-year-old Sgt. Elaine Williams -- were domestic partners prior to the shooting the night of June 2.
At around 11:45 p.m. Garden City police were dispatched to the couple's home in the 200 block of Belton on a report of shots fired.
Inside the house, officers found Williams dead and Johnson lying injured nearby.
Family members said Williams had broken up with Johnson on Saturday, and he returned to the home Sunday night. It's alleged, according to prosecutors, that's when Johnson shot Williams multiple times before shooting himself.
Johnson survived and was taken to a local hospital where he was arraigned Friday morning on the murder charge, plus one count of felony firearm.
“By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department. We mourn her passing," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly.”
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said he'd met with more than 60 of Williams' colleagues after learning the news.
"There was not a dry eye in the room," Craig said. "She touched everyone. She also touched a community. She was a neighborhood police officer supervisor; the community loved her."
Craig said Williams, a mother of two who worked in the Major Crimes Unit, "just did a phenomenal job," calling her death "a tremendous loss."
A tribute to Sgt. Williams was held at the 6th Precinct on Detroit’s west side Friday.
Once is he is discharged from the hospital, Johnson will be remanded to the Wayne County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on June 17, followed by a preliminary exam on June 24.