Sam Simko, a 66-year-old male resident of Commerce Township and co-owner of a marijuana grow business in Pontiac, was killed on January 13, 2025, in what authorities have described as a planned and cold-blooded robbery. The events leading to his death began with a business meeting arranged by a man he had reportedly met at a cannabis festival in Ann Arbor.
This meeting, however, was a deceptive ploy to gain access to Simko's business located in the 1000 block of University Drive in Pontiac.
On the evening of January 13, the man, later identified as William Creasy, was captured on video surveillance arriving at the business in a white Buick Lacrosse and entering the building alone. While Creasy was inside, a black Ford Expedition, which had been parked across the street, moved into the business's parking lot. As Creasy exited the building, two other men, identified as Scott Brown and Deonte Prophett, emerged from the Expedition and entered the business. Prophett was seen brandishing a pistol. A struggle ensued inside, during which Prophett allegedly fired two shots, killing Simko. Authorities reported that after being shot in the head, Simko was zip-tied, and a bag was placed over his head. His business partner discovered his body later that evening at approximately 8:15 p.m.
The investigation quickly led law enforcement to Cincinnati, Ohio. The Buick Lacrosse was registered to Creasy in Cincinnati, and he had rented the Ford Expedition in the same city on the day of the murder. This information, compiled by a team of over 50 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, resulted in the swift apprehension of the suspects. Creasy and Brown were arrested in Cincinnati on January 14, followed by Prophett's arrest on January 15.
Prosecutors filed serious charges against the three men. William Creasy and Scott Brown were charged with Felony Murder and Armed Robbery. Deonte Prophett faced charges of Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Felony Firearm Possession, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The investigation continued, leading to the arrest of a fourth suspect, Christopher Matacia, also from Cincinnati. In early February, Matacia was charged with Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, two counts of Felony Firearm, and Firearm Possession by a Prohibited Person. All four men, described by prosecutors as convicted felons, were expected to be extradited to Michigan to face the charges. The motive for the murder was believed to be the theft of up to 50 pounds of marijuana from Simko's business.
