ROYAL OAK, Mich. – A maintenance worker at a Royal Oak apartment complex was fatally shot last week when he attempted to defuse a dispute between tenants, and new details about what sparked that argument have been released.
Eviction notice
The shooting happened at about noon on Thursday, July 31, at the Devon Park Apartments in the 3800 block of Crooks Road.
That day, Nathan Joshua-Olson Rockwell, 32, received an eviction notice from the apartment complex “due to multiple incidents with firearms,” according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Rockwell allegedly confronted building management about it, and then confronted a tenant who had previously reported him.
An argument with the tenant continued into the parking lot, and Rockwell went to his car and grabbed a gun.
Maintenance worker shot 11 times, prosecutor says
The other tenant then ran away, and authorities said the suspect turned his attention to 65-year-old Gregory Hill, a maintenance worker at the apartment complex who wasn’t involved in the argument but was allegedly trying to de-escalate the situation, according to witnesses.
Rockwell is accused of shooting Hill 11 times, including several shots that were fired at close range.
Paramedics tried to administer emergency care to the victim, but Hill died from his injuries at the scene.
Related -- ‘His mission was to kill’: Maintenance worker fatally shot at Royal Oak apartment complex
“My heart goes out to Gregory Hill’s loved ones,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “Mr. Hill would still be with us, but for this senseless act of gun violence. We are committed to bringing his killer to justice.”
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered Rockwell, and he was quickly taken into custody without further incident.
Charges
Rockwell was charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of felony firearm and two counts of felonious assault with a dangerous weapon, according to a release from the Royal Oak Police Department.
He was arraigned on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in 52-1 District Court and was denied bond.
Police say he has no previous criminal convictions.
Future court date
He is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
“This was a senseless act of horrific violence. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore. “Thankfully, due to the swift actions of our officers, the suspect was apprehended quickly before he could harm anyone else.”