Overview
- A jury convicted William Creasy, Scott Brown, Christopher Matacia and Deonte Prophett of killing Sam Simko, and the four were sentenced to life in prison without parole.
- Prosecutors say the defendants planned a fake business meeting to get access to the Pontiac grow operation and that one suspect arranged the meeting at the store.
- Investigators told reporters they believe Simko met one suspect at the Ann Arbor Hash Bash before the robbery and shooting took place.
- Authorities describe the killing as execution-style, saying masked and gloved suspects fatally shot Simko, zip-tied him and put a bag over his head while taking roughly 50 pounds of marijuana.
- Local officials framed the case as a warning to cannabis operators, saying product theft can drive violent crime and that businesses may need stronger security and law enforcement coordination.