SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) -- A 21-year-old man has been charged in the deadly shooting of his own brother in Southfield, allegedly over jealousy.
Breylon Roberts of Southfield was arraigned Friday on charges of first degree murder and felony murder in connection with the slaying on Monday, at a home in the 17000 block of Dorset Ave., near the Lodge Freeway.
At around 3 p.m. on Oct 19, the 17-year-old sister of both the suspect and the victim called 911 to report finding blood and what she described as bullets in the home.
Officers responded, and spoke with the teen and Breylon Roberts outside the house.
When the went inside, they found 23-year-old Trey Roberts dead in the kitchen of multiple gunshot wounds.
According to Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, officers with a warrant then searched the home and found 17 spent 9mm casings. They then searched a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, registered to Breylon Roberts, that was parked in the driveway.
Under the driver's seat officers found a black ghost gun, or homemade gun, with an empty magazine.
Barren said surveillance footage footage revealed that 17 shots were fired in the home at 12:46 p.m.
"Approximately one minute later, the suspect, Breylon Roberts, was observed leaving the rear of the residence with a dog and walking east along the sidewalk," the chief said. "Witnesses said it was unusual for Roberts to walk the dog, and the behavior stood out, particularly after the sound of gunfire."
Barren said police believe Breylon Roberts shot and killed his brother, and then immediately left with the dog. A short time later, he returned, got into his Jeep, and drove to a family member's home where it was said he behaved strangely, and took a shower.
The chief said the casing turned out to be a match for the gun found in the suspect's car.
As for a motive, Barren said family and friends told investigators there was ongoing conflict between the two brothers that centered on Breylon Roberts' perception that Trey was more successful.
Barren urged anyone noticing domestic issues in their family to reach out for help, before the dispute escalated to violence.
"As I read and share with you the details — and one of the things that kind of stands out when we talk about the jealousy that our suspect had for his brother — kind of puts me in the mind of the biblical context of Cain and Abel; where he killed his brother due to jealousy," Barren said. "So, we need to continue to intervene when these things are occurring."
Breylon Roberts remains held without bond, awaiting his next court date set for Nov. 5.
Anyone with additional information about this case can contact the Southfield Police Department at 248-796-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
