(WWJ) A dispute over the sale of a Hummer led a Houston, Texas man to shoot two men inside Star Auto Sales, according to Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide.
Marvan Batoo, 40, of Shelby Township, and Ghaith Baban, 48, of Clinton Township were found shot to death last Friday. The suspect, Terrance Jermaine Sandles, 46, was arrested early Saturday morning.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning, Shelide said Sandles was at the business three weeks ago.
"Through our detectives interviews, we learned that a black male had been in the business approximately three weeks ago arguing and making threats to the owner regarding the sale of a vehicle, it was a Hummer vehicle, it was purchased for, I think, $3,000," Shelide said. Later Shelide said Sandles thought the vehicle was a lemon and at some point just left the Hummer at the shop.
"He didn't go in to rob, and this was no hit, he went in to kill the owner and Mr. Baban just happened to be there," Shelide said. He added Baban was looking to buy some vehicles from Batoo.
Detectives used security video and information from their FLOCK system to identify the suspect's vehicle. Further investigation led detectives to Sandles, who had rented the car, and a hotel in Romulus, where Sandles was arrested early Saturday morning.
"Laying in bed with Sandles was a handgun and another handgun was on the dresser, Shelide said. "Cash that was stolen from the location (Star Auto Sales) was also recovered."
Investigators also discovered a large quantity of cocaine.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido had filed 15 charges against Sandles but a drug charge and felony firearm charge were withdrawn as the investigation is ongoing. Sandles was ordered held without bond. His next court date is November 24th.
Authorities say Sandles was named on several felony warrants out of Houston when he was arrested.