COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Three people have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a 19-year-old whose body was found near an Oakland County lake earlier this week, officials said.
The suspects, three 19-year-olds, two from Romulus and one from Taylor, were taken into custody on Thursday by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.
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Two were arrested in Romulus, while the third was apprehended in Garden City after trying to flee. They are expected to be charged as soon as Monday.
They were arrested in connection with the death of 19-year-old Andre Sontay Avant Jr. He was found dead on Monday, Feb. 16, near the Proud Lake boat launch on Wixom Road. Someone visiting the park found his body.
“We have found no connection between the victim, the suspects, and the community where the victim was discovered,” Oakland County Sheriff Bouchard said. “At this time, we have reason to believe the victim was brought to the area and murdered. It is deeply troubling to see individuals place so little value on human life. This was a senseless and brutal act.”
An autopsy revealed that Avant’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.
Bouchard acknowledged his team’s swift and coordinated response, highlighting how multiple units worked together to execute multiple search warrants and identify and arrest the three suspects in just one week.
“I am extremely proud of the coordinated effort by our whole team,” Bouchard said. “Starting with virtually no information, investigators worked tirelessly and, within a week, identified and took three suspects into custody. That kind of work reflects the professionalism, determination, and commitment of this team. We will continue to pursue justice, and I look forward to those responsible being held fully accountable.”