Harper Woods

Suspect in Old Homestead killing is in police custody

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

The suspect who allegedly fatally shot 60-year-old Johnny Lee Buckner in his home on Old Homestead last week is off the streets within a week of the incident.

On Feb. 20, police announced they had made the arrest and were planning to present a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Feb. 21.

“The suspect will remain in our custody without bond on felony murder charges,” Chief James Burke said in a Nixle.com release Feb. 20.

Police worked to reassure the community that this wasn’t a random incident.

“We do not believe that this crime was a random act of violence committed in our community,” Burke stated.

“These types of situations are very shocking and cause a lot of concern in the neighborhood,” Burke said.

Police launched an investigation after Buckner was found dead in his home on Old Homestead shortly before 11:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

“Our detectives worked 24 hours a day tracking down some information,” Burke said, regarding the arrest.

“I’m very proud of the effort they put in,” Burke said of the department and its team of detectives led by Lt. Ted Stager.

Police said they are confident that this is the person who committed the crime, but they could not give any details about the suspect prior to the arraignment.

“This is still an ongoing investigation,” police Lt. Robert Hunter said.  “(There is) no reason to believe that anyone else was involved in the homicide.”

Besides the murder, the victim’s cream-colored 2001 four-door Cadillac Deville was missing from outside the home after the incident.

“The victim’s vehicle is believed to have been stolen by the suspect(s) after the shooting,” Burke stated in last week’s Nixle.com release.

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