Mt. Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 47-year-old Terrance Jermaine Sandles, of Houston, TX, was bound over to Circuit Court to face trial on multiple charges including two counts of First-Degree Premeditated Murder stemming from a shooting at Star Auto Sales in Shelby Township, MI.
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, a Preliminary Exam was held for Sandles before Judge Stephen S. Sierawski at the 41A District Court in Shelby Township, MI. Judge Sierawski denied a defense motion to suppress evidence and bound over Sandles as charged with the following:
- Two Counts: Homicide – Murder First Degree – Premeditated, a felony punishable by life without parole
- Two Counts: Armed Robbery, a life or any term of years felony
- One Count: Weapons – Firearms – Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony
- One Count: Weapons – Ammunition – Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony
- One Count: Weapons – Carrying Concealed, a 5-year felony
- Six Counts: Weapons - Felony Firearm, each a 2-year felony, consecutive to main charges.
The People were represented at the Preliminary Exam by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Steve Fox and Carmen Rankin.
"Today's decision to bind the defendant over marks an important step toward justice for the victims and their loved ones. This alleged crime caused tremendous pain and loss for the victims' family members and has impacted our community. My office remains committed to holding those who commit crime accountable and working to ensure the safety of Macomb County,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Sandles will be arraigned before Judge Rachel Rancilio at the Macomb County Circuit Court on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. He is being held without bond at the Macomb County Jail.
It is alleged that on Friday, November 7, 2025, Sandles entered the Star Auto Sales office in Shelby Township, MI, and shot and killed Marvan Batoo, 40, of Shelby Township, and Ghaith Baban, 48, of Clinton Township. An employee discovered the victims and immediately contacted authorities, reporting that Sandles had a dispute with Star Auto related to a vehicle purchase.
It is further alleged that investigators identified Sandles through the vehicle at the center of the dispute. A thorough police investigation led officers to a hotel in Romulus, MI, where Sandles was arrested. Investigators allegedly recovered evidence linking him to the crime.
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 that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
