In the late hours of March 26, 2024, a young Black/African American man's life was cut short in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Twenty-two-year-old Alonzo Lee Jones-Hollie of Belleville was discovered in the driver's seat of his car with fatal gunshot wounds. The incident, which marked Washtenaw County's first homicide of the year, took place around 11 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sauk Trail Pointe apartments located on West Michigan Avenue near Second Avenue.
Although he was residing in Belleville at the time of his death, Hollie's family had roots in the Ypsilanti area.
Initially, the investigation was launched by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, which had taken over major crime investigations from the Ypsilanti Police Department due to staffing issues. Authorities appealed to the public for any information regarding a fleeing vehicle or individuals seen running through nearby yards, hoping that home surveillance footage might provide crucial clues.
An arrest was later made in connection with the fatal shooting. The investigation led authorities to Daniel Franklin, who was subsequently charged with open murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and using a firearm during a felony. According to testimony from a witness during a preliminary examination, the deadly confrontation arose from an argument over a stolen vape pen. The witness claimed that Hollie had threatened Franklin, demanding the return of his e-cigarette. Moments later, gunshots were fired inside the vehicle.
Further complicating matters, it was revealed that at the time of his arrest for Hollie's death, Daniel Franklin was already facing charges of open murder and weapons crimes in connection with a separate homicide that occurred in 2022. He is scheduled for court appearances for both cases.
