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.”
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.