On a summer day in Detroit, the lives of Rolando Douglas and his companion, Ashley Coates, were brought to a violent and tragic end. On August 5, 2017, the couple was discovered inside their silver Honda Accord on the city's east side, near the intersection of Seneca and Lambert Streets. Both had been shot to death.
The horrifying discovery was made even more gruesome by the fact that their bodies had been set on fire within the vehicle, leaving them burned beyond recognition.
Also found deceased inside the car was Coates's service dog, Maya. The brutality of the crime sent shockwaves through the community and left investigators with a complex and disturbing case.
In the wake of the double homicide, law enforcement agencies sought the public's assistance in bringing those responsible to justice. Crime Stoppers announced a cash reward of up to $2,500 for any information that would lead to an arrest in the case. Despite the plea for tips and the financial incentive, the investigation into the deaths of Rolando Douglas and Ashley Coates has not publicly yielded any suspects or arrests. The case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for their families and the city of Detroit.
