Texas man charged in deadly shooting at Star Auto Sales referred for mental health evaluation

Mt. Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 46-year-old Terrance Jermaine Sandles, of Houston, TX, will receive a mental health evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand trial. He is facing multiple charges including First Degree Premeditated Murder after allegedly killing two men at Star Auto Sales in Shelby Township, MI.

On Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, a Probable Cause Conference was held for Sandles before Judge Stephen S. Sierawski at the 41A District Court in Shelby Township, MI. Sandles’ defense counsel requested an evaluation for Competency. The court granted the request.  A Probable Cause Hearing date will be set to review the evaluation results and status of the case. 

"Mental health evaluations are a necessary step in the criminal justice process. They allow us to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial and ensure that any prosecution proceeds in a manner that is legally sound," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

It is alleged that on Friday, November 7, 2025, Sandles entered the Star Auto Sales office at 47092 Ryan Rd., Shelby Township, MI, and shot and killed two men during a robbery. The men were identified as 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 and also discovered a large quantity of cocaine.

Sandles is facing the following charges:

• Two Counts: Homicide – Murder First Degree – Premeditated, a life without parole felony
• 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
• Sandles also has a Habitual Offender - Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.

After the arraignment, a charge of Controlled Substances – Delivery/Manufacture 50-449 Grams, a 20-year felony, and a connected Felony Firearm charge were dismissed because a connection to the jurisdiction of Macomb County could not be established. 

Sandles was ordered held without bond and is in custody at the Macomb County Jail.

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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