Detroit man charged for shooting neighbor in head, leaving her dead in street, officials say

Michael Lackey facing 4 charges

Michael Craig Lackey (Wayne County Prosecutor's Office)

DETROIT – A Detroit man has been charged for shooting his neighbor in the head and leaving her dead in the street, officials said.

Detroit police were called at 6:47 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 17) to a home in the 8500 block of Robson Street on the city’s west side.

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When they arrived, officers found Michele Elder, 61, of Detroit, lying facedown in the street in front of the home. She had a gunshot wound to her head, according to authorities.

Elder was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutors said Michael Craig Lackey, 59, of Detroit, shot Elder in the head with a handgun before barricading himself in his home. He surrendered and was taken into custody after a brief standoff.

Lackey is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, retaliating against a witness, and two felony firearm violations.

He was arraigned Sunday in 36th District Court and remanded to jail.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 28, and the preliminary examination is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Dec. 5.


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.