ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Gregory Hill spent his retirement doing what he loved most — helping others.
The 65-year-old maintenance worker’s dedication to serving his community cost him his life Thursday (July 31) when he was fatally shot while attempting to call 911 during a dispute at the Royal Oak apartment complex where he worked.
“He was just amazing. He was always helping everybody,” said Tonya Jordan, Hill’s sister. “Whether it be our car or something at the house or needing help moving, he was always there to depend on.”
Hill, a recent General Motors retiree, had just celebrated his 31st wedding anniversary on July 8.
He and his wife marked the occasion with their traditional trip to Las Vegas, where they had originally exchanged vows three decades ago.
“Being retired, he was not the kind of person to sit still,” Jordan said. “He loved fixing stuff, so he decided to get a job in maintenance.”
Residents at the apartment complex, where Hill was known for consistently going above and beyond his duties, have created a memorial in his honor.
Tenants described him as someone who would drop everything to help solve a problem, no matter how small.
“None of us can sleep. None of us wants to close our eyes because we imagine what he went through and how he couldn’t get away,” Jordan said.
The incident occurred around noon on July 31 at Devon Park Apartments in the 3800 block of Crooks Road.
According to police, Hill was not involved in the initial dispute that led to his death.
Witnesses say he was attempting to call 911 during an altercation after the shooter was being evicted for multiple incidents involving firearms.
That’s when police say the suspect went to his vehicle, retrieved a gun, and began firing.
He allegedly shot Hill about 11 times, including several shots at close range.
“Why target him? When he wasn’t even doing anything to you?” Jordan questioned. “To go and reload and come back—that’s what I don’t understand.”
Hill leaves behind his wife of 31 years and two daughters who, according to Jordan, “loved him to death.”
She said the one thing she wants everyone to know about Hill is that “He was always there whenever you needed him.”
Royal Oak police Chief Michael Moore called the shooting “a senseless act of horrific violence” in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Nathaniel Joshua-Olson Rockwell, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Hill’s death.
He was arraigned Sunday in 52-1 District Court and denied bond. Rockwell also faces three counts of felony firearm and two counts of felonious assault with a dangerous weapon.
He is scheduled to appear in court on August 11 at the 44th District Court in Royal Oak.