Crime
Family Members Found Dead in Burned Vehicle in Detroit identified, suspect arrested
Detroit police have arrested a man in connection with a horrific triple homicide involving the deaths of his ex-girlfriend, her mother, and a 9-year-old child, whose bodies were discovered inside a burned vehicle on the city’s west side early Sunday morning.
Elauntra Sutton, a grieving Detroit resident, identified the victims as her 9-year-old daughter Ayva, her sister Kayda Sutton, and her mother Sandra Davis.
Authorities have confirmed that all three were murdered prior to being set on fire inside the vehicle.
According to investigators, the suspect — who had previously been in a relationship with Kayda Sutton — allegedly shot both Kayda and Sandra, before brutally stabbing 9-year-old Ayva to death.
After committing the murders, the suspect reportedly transported the bodies across town, ultimately setting the vehicle ablaze in the area of Milford and 30th Streets around 5:50 a.m. Sunday.
The Detroit Fire Department responded to reports of a car fire at the location. Once the flames were extinguished, three bodies were discovered inside, severely burned and initially unidentifiable.
Subsequent investigation led police to execute a search warrant at a residence on Detroit’s east side, where they uncovered a homicide scene believed to be where the murders took place.
Inside the home, officers also found a 4-year-old boy, who had been left unattended. He is a relative of the victims and is now in protective custody.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison expressed deep concern and outrage over the brutality of the crime. “With a case like this, it really upset me as well, and it upset our community. It can create a sense of fear,” said Bettison. “My homicide detectives worked around the clock along with the Michigan State Police. We utilized all of our assets to bring justice to this case.”
The Detroit Police Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up or online at detroitrewardstv.com. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to progress in the investigation.
“We will be relentless in not stopping when something like this happens,” Chief Bettison added. “Our hearts are with the family and this community as we work to ensure justice is served.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.