2 men charged with murder of man found dead near Proud Lake boat launch
Two men are facing open murder charges in the fatal shooting of a man who was found dead at the Proud Lake boat launch in Commerce Township, Michigan.
Dshaun Omar Hatton-Street, 18, of Romulus, and Stephan Larryl Shaw, 18, of Taylor, were both arrested Thursday by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Apprehension Team on open murder and felony firearms charges over the death of Andre Sontay Avant Jr., 19, of Inkster.
Arraignments took place on Wednesday at the 52-1 District Court in Novi. Both pleaded not guilty to charges and bond was denied. If convicted, they could face life in prison.
"From the moment this young man was discovered, our team was committed to uncovering the truth," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "In just over a week, our team developed the information needed to make these arrests. I am proud of their work and their dedication to ensuring those responsible are brought before the court and held accountable."
On the morning of February 16, investigators say a park visitor discovered the Inkster teen's body near the Proud Lake boat launch in Commerce Township. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
"The victims cell phone data showed his location near Eureka Road near Inkster Road about an hour before the phone turns off in Wixom," said a Detective Sergeant with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
According to details revealed in court, the victim and suspects knew each other. A few days before the murder, investigators say Hatton-Street and Shaw were captured on video buying a weapon.
It's alleged Avant Junior was looking to buy a gun and was possibly picked up by the suspects the night of February 15. His cell phone was even tracked in a Chevy Equinox registered to Hatton-Street.
Detectives say a third suspect, Amier Hayeswright, who was initially taken into custody but later released, described what he says went down.
"The subject explained that he, Shaw, Hatton-Street and the victim exited the vehicle at the location. He stated he was talking to the victim when he heard a gunshot. He then saw the victim on the ground and Shaw standing over him," a Detective Sergeant with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office stated.
Investigators are still trying to piece together the connection to where the crime took place.
The suspects are due back in court for a probable cause conference on March 11, 2026.
In the meantime, a balloon release in memory of Avant will take place on Friday at the Inkster High School fairgrounds.
