Harper Woods

Suspect arraigned in Old Homestead killing

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

HARPER WOODS — Andrew Keith faces multiple charges, including open murder, for allegedly shooting his stepfather, Johnny Lee Buckner, multiple times and fleeing Buckner’s home in the 18700 block of Old Homestead last month.

Keith, 43, of Detroit, was arraigned in front of Judge Roger LaRose in 32A District Court Feb. 28. His preliminary exam was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 13, after press time, according to information from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. He was ordered to be held without a bond.

The shooting took place Feb. 13. A relative discovered Buckner’s body that same day.

“Further details about the facts surrounding the homicide will be presented in court at the preliminary examination,” Assistant Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Maria Miller, director of communications for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, stated in an email.

Harper Woods Police Chief James Burke has praised his staff for their work on the case, but City Manager Randolph Skotarczyk also had positive comments about the department.

“Our detectives did a marvelous job in tying this case up, and the case looks good and I’m very pleased with that,” Skotarczyk said at a recent City Council meeting.

Police confirmed that Buckner’s missing cream-colored 2001 Cadillac Deville was recovered on the west side of Detroit during the investigation.

Besides the open-murder charge, Keith also faces charges of larceny of more than $1,000 up to $20,000, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

He requested a court-appointed attorney who had not been assigned as of March 6.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer April Lehmbeck at alehmbeck@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1043.