WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – A 61-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend in Saline.
Barry Garza was sentenced to 30-60 years for second-degree murder and attempted murder.
The charges stem from the death of 40-year-old Amber Thomas in August 2023. It happened near the intersection of Woodland Drive East and North Maple Road in Saline. Garza reportedly shot Thomas and led police on a chase that ended in a crash.
Thomas had a personal protection order against Garza that was granted less than a week before the shooting, but it had not yet been served to him.
Thomas was walking to her car while on a break from work when Garza allegedly opened fire, killing her and injuring a 55-year-old man.
Prosecutors claimed he told police he wasn’t sorry he killed her.
Garza eventually pleaded no contest to the murder and attempted murder charges. A felony firearm charge was dismissed.
He was sentenced April 24, 2026, and was given credit for 995 days served.