ROYAL OAK, Mich. – A maintenance worker was fatally shot Thursday at Devon Park Apartments in Royal Oak after attempting to intervene in a dispute between tenants, police said.
The victim, identified by residents only as Greg, was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the complex near 13 Mile and Crooks roads, across from Royal Oak High School. The shooting occurred just before noon on July 31.
According to witnesses, the incident began when the alleged shooter, who was reportedly being evicted, confronted another tenant.
When the situation escalated, the tenant asked Greg to call 911. Witnesses say the suspect then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and opened fire.
“The second he went to grab that gun, his mission was to kill,” said one resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns.
Pattern of Concerning Behavior
Multiple residents reported the suspect had displayed troubling behavior before the shooting.
Tenants described a history of stalking female residents and making disturbing comments about murder and underage sex.
Several residents said they had previously filed complaints about his behavior.
“The shooter? He was a psychopath,” one tenant said, who wanted to remain anonymous.
On Friday, police said the shooter remains in custody. The department is working on finalizing the case before sending it over to the prosecutor’s office for charges.
Beloved Maintenance Worker
Residents described Greg as a cherished member of the apartment community who consistently prioritized others’ safety and well-being.
“He was an amazing dude. Just humble. Very humble,” said one resident.
Another added, “He is very, very good. Everyone loved him.”