ROYAL OAK (WWJ) A Royal Oak man was charged with First Degree Murder in connection to shooting and killing a maintenance worker on the job at his apartment building, police said.
Nathaniel Rockwell, 32, was also charged with two counts of Felonious Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and three counts of Felony Firearm. Gregory Hill, 65 of Southfield, died in the shooting. It happened around noon on Thursday, July 31, at Devon Park Apartments on Crooks near 13 Mile.
Police said officers responded to the apartment complex after receiving multiple 911 calls about an "altercation and gunfire" in the parking lot. Officers encountered the suspect, who lives at the apartment complex. According to police; Rockwell complied with their orders, and they took him into custody.
Authorities said officers found the victim about 100 feet away with gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, their investigation revealed Rockwell got into a "heated verbal altercation" with another tenant. Rockwell allegedly went to get a gun from his car while the other tenant ran away.
"The suspect turned his attention toward the victim," police said in a statement.
Hill was doing maintenance work in the vicinity when the suspect allegedly gunned him down, but had no direct involvement in the argument; police said.
“This was a senseless act of horrific violence. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore said in a statement. "Thankfully, due to the swift actions of our officers, the suspect was apprehended quickly before he could harm anyone else."
Police said Rockwell has no prior convictions. He was arraigned Sunday, August 3, at 52-1 District Court in Novi. He was denied bond. He is due back in court on August 11. If convicted on the First Degree Murder charge, he faces life in prison without parole.