Jury convicts man of First-Degree Murder

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that a jury convicted Al Curtis Williams, a 46-year-old man from Hazel Park, of First-Degree Murder. 

On Monday, February 2, 2026, the jury convicted Williams after a four-day trial before Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Edward Servitto. Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Steve Fox and Carmen Rankin prosecuted the case on behalf of The People.

Williams was convicted of the following offenses:

• Homicide – Murder – First-Degree - Premeditated, punishable by life without parole
• Weapons – Carrying Concealed, a 5-year felony
• Weapons – Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to main charge

Williams remains in custody at the Macomb County Jail. He faces sentencing before Judge Edward Servitto on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

“The jury’s verdict holds the defendant accountable for the murder of a stranger, an absolute senseless act of violence. This outcome sends a clear message that Macomb County will not tolerate such brutality and that those who commit these crimes will face the full weight of the law. Our thoughts remain with the victim and his family,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on December 21, 2024. Williams engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim, 38-year-old Brandon Zaner of Utica, Michigan, inside a Shell gas station in Warren. Williams left the store and returned shortly afterward, at which time he confronted Zaner, who had walked to a nearby parking lot. A second altercation ensued and Williams fired one round, striking the victim in the chest. Zaner collapsed onto the pavement. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

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 individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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