PONTIAC, Mich. – An Oakland County man was shot to death at his home in 1998, and no suspect was ever identified.
Now, more than 27 years later, a man has been charged in connection with his death.
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Charles Barnett, 73, of Pontiac, walked into his home on Corwin Street on April 30, 1998, and was shot and killed by a burglar.
The burglar was never identified, and the investigation went cold until detectives from the Oakland County Sheriff’s office reopened the case in 2020.
After reviewing evidence, they connected the case to Jack Anthony Young, a 45-year-old man living in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Authorities believe Barnett entered his home and surprised Young, who was robbing the home.
Young allegedly shot Barnett, stole his car, and then crashed it a short time later.
Pontiac officers responded to investigate the crash. They learned the car belonged to Barnett, and when they went to his house, they found his body.
The suspected gunman was arrested in Indiana on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025.
“We never give up on our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families and the community,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “I’m proud of the constant review of cold cases that our team does. In this case, we have an opportunity to hold the accused perpetrator accountable after all these years.”
Young has been charged with felony murder, a life offense. He is scheduled to be extradited to Pontiac next week.
“Charles Barnett was taken from his loved ones 27 years ago, but he was never forgotten,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “Thanks to an investigation that was never closed, we can now seek justice for Mr. Barnett.”