DETROIT (WWJ) -- The man who acquired the gun used to kill a Detroit police officer will appear in court Monday for a plea hearing.
Sheldon Thomas faces charges in connection with the murder of DPD Officer Loren Courts by Ehmani Davis on July 6, 2022.
Prosecutors allege Thomas bought the 7.62 semiautomatic Draco pistol that Davis used in the shooting at an Eastpointe gun store and that he had given Davis the weapon two weeks earlier.
Officials have surveillance footage of Thomas and Davis in the store together. They also found text message evidence that Thomas has a history of making straw firearm purchases for at least two other clients.
Thomas is expected to enter an official plea during today's court appearance.
Officer Loren Courts was a 40-year-old husband and father of two and a five-year veteran of the Detroit police force.
He and his partner, Officer Amanda Hudgens responded to reports of an active shooter near Joy and Hubbel Ave in early July. Courts took a bullet to the neck while driving up to the scene. Hudgens attempted to administer first aid, but Courts died of his injuries.
Another officer who arrived as backup returned fire, fatally striking Davis.
DPD Chief James White said he believed Davis intended to commit "suicide by cop," as he had a pending arrest warrant from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office for Assault with Intent to Murder.
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