Murder suspect to be arraigned today in connection with Redford homicide
The charred remains of an unidentified man led Redford police to Adrian, Mich., where a search warrant was executed and an arrest made.
"This was not a random crime," said Redford Police Capt. Jim Turner Tuesday. "We believe the suspect knew the victim and it appears robbery was the motive."
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy charged Lakeshia Marie Valdez, 20 of Adrian, Michigan in connection with the Nov. 19 homicide of a "John Doe" male who was killed in a home at 16938 Garfield in Redford.
Valdez has been charged with First Degree Murder (Mandatory Life), Felony Murder (Mandatory Life), Tampering with Evidence (10 years), and Larceny in a Building (4 years).
"The investigations by Redford and the Michigan State Police is responsible for quickly closing this case," said Worthy.
Valdez is scheduled for arraignment at 10 today in 17th District Court in Redford.
An autopsy on the victim was performed but an official cause of death hadn't been determined as of Tuesday as the medical examiner was awaiting lab results.
Police believe they know the identity of the victim but are awaiting medical records for confirmation.
A fire call came in around noon Saturday at 16938 Garfield.
As a result of the fire investigation, the burned body of an unidentified adult male was discovered in the house. Police then classified the incident as a homicide/arson investigation.
Redford detectives were able to develop leads through the assistance of witnesses and electronic monitoring devices that were present at the time of the incident.
Turner declined further comment on what witnesses reported or the nature of the electronic monitoring devices near the crime scene, though he did acknowledge that the house is across the street from Glenhurst Golf Course.
Police believe the victim may have suffered an assault prior to the fire.
Adrian police, the Lenawee Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab assisted Redford in the investigation.
Two suspects were being held as of Monday, but only one is scheduled for arraignment today.
Turner said only one suspect remained in police custody but declined further comment on the status of the second person who was arrested in connection with the investigation.
Turner said police had no previous reports of suspicious activity at the house.
On 11-19-2011, the Redford Township Police and Fire departments began an investigation of a house fire at 16938 Garfield located in the Township that developed into a homicide/arson. Investigators have confirmed that the victim was stabbed prior to the fire and that the fire was arson.
As a result of this investigation, one suspect has been criminally charged at this time.
Lakeshia Marie Valdez 03-31-1991 of Adrian, Michigan was arraigned today on the following charges:
Murder in the 1st Degree, Felony Murder, Arson of a Dwelling, Tampering with Evidence, and Larceny in a Building. Valdez was known to the victim.
The identification of the victim has been confirmed thru the assistance of dental records as Matthew Oliveraz 08/11/1983 of Redford Township, Michigan.
The suspect is being held with NO BOND. Next court date is Tuesday 11-29-2011.
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"This was not a random crime," said Redford Police Capt. Jim Turner Tuesday. "We believe the suspect knew the victim and it appears robbery was the motive."
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy charged Lakeshia Marie Valdez, 20 of Adrian, Michigan in connection with the Nov. 19 homicide of a "John Doe" male who was killed in a home at 16938 Garfield in Redford.
Valdez has been charged with First Degree Murder (Mandatory Life), Felony Murder (Mandatory Life), Tampering with Evidence (10 years), and Larceny in a Building (4 years).
"The investigations by Redford and the Michigan State Police is responsible for quickly closing this case," said Worthy.
Valdez is scheduled for arraignment at 10 today in 17th District Court in Redford.
An autopsy on the victim was performed but an official cause of death hadn't been determined as of Tuesday as the medical examiner was awaiting lab results.
Police believe they know the identity of the victim but are awaiting medical records for confirmation.
A fire call came in around noon Saturday at 16938 Garfield.
As a result of the fire investigation, the burned body of an unidentified adult male was discovered in the house. Police then classified the incident as a homicide/arson investigation.
Redford detectives were able to develop leads through the assistance of witnesses and electronic monitoring devices that were present at the time of the incident.
Turner declined further comment on what witnesses reported or the nature of the electronic monitoring devices near the crime scene, though he did acknowledge that the house is across the street from Glenhurst Golf Course.
Police believe the victim may have suffered an assault prior to the fire.
Adrian police, the Lenawee Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab assisted Redford in the investigation.
Two suspects were being held as of Monday, but only one is scheduled for arraignment today.
Turner said only one suspect remained in police custody but declined further comment on the status of the second person who was arrested in connection with the investigation.
Turner said police had no previous reports of suspicious activity at the house.
On 11-19-2011, the Redford Township Police and Fire departments began an investigation of a house fire at 16938 Garfield located in the Township that developed into a homicide/arson. Investigators have confirmed that the victim was stabbed prior to the fire and that the fire was arson.
As a result of this investigation, one suspect has been criminally charged at this time.
Lakeshia Marie Valdez 03-31-1991 of Adrian, Michigan was arraigned today on the following charges:
Murder in the 1st Degree, Felony Murder, Arson of a Dwelling, Tampering with Evidence, and Larceny in a Building. Valdez was known to the victim.
The identification of the victim has been confirmed thru the assistance of dental records as Matthew Oliveraz 08/11/1983 of Redford Township, Michigan.
The suspect is being held with NO BOND. Next court date is Tuesday 11-29-2011.
Criminal Stories Here
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