Arrest made in father of seven's murder

Alleged killer charged, also accused of killing cab driver

DETROIT – William Heard, 39, is charged with homicide felony murder in connection with the death of West Bloomfield father Samir Hannawa.

Hannawa, 49, was shot and killed in November outside a Detroit car repair shop in broad daylight. He is survived by seven children and a wife.

In the weeks following his murder detectives had no leads. When police nabbed Heard for allegedly killing cab drive Tyrone Hitchcock this past month they had no idea he might be behind Hannawa's murder.

"It's both a gift and a curse, I guess," said Hannawa's oldest daughter, Athraa Hannawa.

The daughter faced her father's alleged killer Thursday in court. It was the first time she saw his face.

"Every day is a physical blow to my heart because I don't get to see him, and I know the reason why now," she said.

Heard could get life in prison for both murders. For the Hannawa family, that won't be enough.

"Knowing the reason why I can' see my dad, hug him, laugh with him ... see us grow up. That's why," Athraa Hannawa said.


-- Samir Hannawa