Police believe surveillance video shows Christmas Eve killers; SUV found torched

Tolson's SUV was discovered in alley

DETROIT – Detroit police believe video surveillance from a market on Gratiot shows two suspects that carjacked and gunned down a father of three on Christmas Eve.

The security video came from the Gratiot and Fairmount Market on Detroit’s east side.

Moments before the murder, the video shows a silver SUV pull up and two men walk out. The two men are seen walking north on Gratiot Avenue.

Anthony Tolson had just pulled into the lot, according to the market’s owner.

Tolson was on his way to his mother’s home after he played bass during Christmas Eve church services. His three children, ages 7, 12 and 13, were waiting there for him.

Police say Tolson was pulled from his Chevrolet Trailblazer, shot and killed. The SUV, along with the Christmas presents Tolson had for his children and his bass were taken.

Tolson’s vehicle was discovered late Saturday night in an alley behind the 4000 block of Columbus Street on the city’s west side. The vehicle was torched.

Detroit police are investigating and currently looking for at least three people involved.

A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday at 14999 Gratiot Avenue at 5 p.m. A jam session will be held at Back Beat in Southfield at 8 p.m. where proceeds will go to Tolson’s family.

 


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.