Romulus Police Arrest Suspect in Shelby Township Double Homicide Near Detroit Airport
Romulus, Michigan — A man was arrested early Saturday morning, November 8, 2025, in connection with a double homicide that occurred one day earlier inside a Shelby Township car dealership. The arrest followed an intense, multi-agency investigation that led officers to a hotel near Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus.
According to police, multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at approximately 5:45 a.m. at the hotel. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Authorities say they also recovered “significant evidence” from the hotel room, believed to be directly linked to the crime scene in Shelby Township.
The investigation began around Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025, when Shelby Township police responded to an emergency call from a customer at Star Auto Sales, a small car dealership located near Auburn Road and Ryan Road. The customer reported finding two men unresponsive inside the business. When officers arrived, they discovered both men dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as:
- A 48-year-old man from Clinton Township, whose name has not been publicly released pending family notification.
- A 40-year-old man from Shelby Township, also awaiting formal identification by the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that the victims were employees or associates of Star Auto Sales and were believed to have been inside the dealership when they were attacked. Investigators are working to determine whether the killings were related to a robbery, personal dispute, or business matter.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide described the discovery as “deeply troubling” and said detectives worked around the clock to identify and locate the suspect. “This was a targeted, violent act that took two lives in our community. Our detectives and partner agencies acted swiftly to ensure the person responsible was taken off the streets,” Shelide stated during a Saturday press briefing.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and Romulus Police Department assisted in the operation that led to the arrest. Officials said surveillance footage from nearby businesses and digital forensics played a critical role in tracking the suspect’s movements following the homicides.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, citing ongoing legal procedures, but confirmed that he will remain in custody until his arraignment, scheduled for early next week. Charges are expected to include two counts of open murder and possibly additional firearm-related offenses.
Residents in both Shelby Township and Clinton Township have expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy. Neighbors described the victims as “hardworking and friendly,” often seen at the dealership assisting customers. A small memorial with flowers and candles has since been placed near the entrance of Star Auto Sales.
The Shelby Township Police Department urges anyone with additional information about the case to contact detectives or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Michigan.
As the investigation continues, police are focusing on establishing a clear motive and timeline leading up to the deadly encounter. More information, including the suspect’s identity and potential connections to the victims, is expected to be revealed following the arraignment.