DETROIT (WWJ) A Detroit man, accused of killing his neighbor because of a dispute about an Amazon package and holding cops at bay for hours during a barricaded standoff, has been charged with first degree murder and ordered to remain in jail until his next court date.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office charged Michael Lackey, 59, with Pre-meditated First Degree Murder, one-count of Witness Retaliating Against, and two counts of Felony Firearm.
According to prosecutors, Detroit Police were called to a home on Robson (8580 block), near Joy and Greenfield, for a reported shooting on Thursday around 6:45 a.m. When they arrived; they found the victim, Michele Elder, 61, lying face down in the street in front of her house with a gunshot wound to her head. Medics pronounced Elder dead at the scene.
"It is alleged that Defendant Lackey produced and fired a handgun, fatally wounding the victim, before barricading himself inside his home," a press release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office states.
Police Chief James White said a Special Response Team surrounded Lackey's home, during which time they learned he had "an arsenal of military-grade weapons" inside, complicating negotiation efforts.
White described the weapons as having the ability for projectiles to travel long distances and do a lot of damage. He said at least nine handguns were registered to Lackey.
Lackey surrendered after about four and a half hours, police said.
According to White, Lackey was angry at Elder after he was sentenced to 60 days in jail over a dispute with her regarding an Amazon package that had been delivered last year.
Lackey is due back in court next Monday.
