Taylor police believe River Rouge man was killed at house, then dumped in Ypsilanti field

Mike Stratford has been missing since May 7

TAYLOR, Mich. – Taylor police believe the body of 38-year-old Mike Stratford was found Saturday in a field in Ypsilanti. 

Police are awaiting a positive identification. 

Stratford, of River Rouge, had been missing since May 7 after leaving the home he shares with his mother and 3-year-old daughter. Police later found his motorcycle at a friend's house on Brian Street in Taylor.

On Sunday, Taylor police were back at the home collecting what they were calling "possible evidence" in his disappearance. Police believe Stratford was shot May 7 inside the Brian Street home and dumped in Ypsilanti. 

Stratford is a single father of a 3-year-old girl. His mother said the last message her son received was from a friend who lives on Brian Street.

2 in custody

Two Taylor men -- brothers -- have been arrested in connection to this murder. Police said a 36-year-old man was arrested Sunday in Detroit and his 41-year-old brother turned himself into police the same day. 

Evidence will be presented to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday. 


About the Authors

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

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