On a day tragically marked for mourning, a veteran court officer lost his life in the line of duty. Robert J. 'Bob' Silver, a 66-year-old male, had served the St. Clair County 72nd District Court for 35 years. On Thursday, December 28, 2023, he was tasked with serving an eviction notice at a residence in the 6100 block of Genaw Road in Clay Township.
It was a duty he had performed countless times, but this encounter would prove to be his last.
Concerns arose when several hours passed with no word from Silver. The Clay Township Police Department was dispatched to the address to check on his welfare. Upon their arrival, they made a grim discovery; Officer Silver was found on the property, having sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The day was already heavy with sorrow for Silver's family, as he was supposed to be attending a celebration of life for his mother and sister who had recently passed away in a house fire.
The tenant of the home, 49-year-old Michael Stickler, barricaded himself inside the residence, resulting in a brief standoff with law enforcement. He was eventually taken into custody. Stickler was subsequently charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Officer Silver. He is being held at the St. Clair County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Robert Silver was a U.S. Army veteran and a dedicated public servant. He was remembered by friends and colleagues as a great guy and an avid pool player. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, three children, and a granddaughter.
