FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
February 4, 2025
Man Arraigned for Allegedly Shooting, Killing Man in Sterling Heights
Mount Clemens, MI — A 51-year-old man has been arraigned in connection with a shooting at the Extended Stay America hotel in Sterling Heights.
It is alleged that on Saturday, February 1, 2025, Luke Svacha shot and killed 24-year-old Jajuan Marls at the Extended Stay America hotel in Sterling Heights. Svacha fled the hotel and went to his home in Centerline. He would not come out of the house when police officers arrived. After hours of negotiations, Svacha finally dropped his firearm and exited the house, where he was taken into custody.
Svacha was charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder, a life felony; Felony Firearm, a two-year mandatory felony; Carrying a Concealed Weapon, a five-year felony; and Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer, a two-year felony.
Today, Svacha was arraigned in the 41A District Court in Sterling Heights, where Magistrate Jean Cloud denied bond. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, at 1:00 p.m. in Judge Weigand's court. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled before Judge Weigand on Wednesday, February 19, at 8:30 a.m.
"This was a senseless and tragic act of violence that took the life of an individual. Our office is committed to ensuring that justice is served. We will pursue this case to hold the defendant accountable for his actions. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones as they navigate this devastating loss," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
###