In June of 2023, the family and friends of 27-year-old James Wilkins grew worried when he suddenly disappeared under what police would later describe as suspicious circumstances. A loving father and football coach, Wilkins's absence prompted an investigation by the Warren Police Department that would slowly uncover a grim sequence of events.
Investigators quickly zeroed in on Wilkins's roommate, 27-year-old Donald Renfroe, as a person of interest.
A search of the apartment they shared revealed ominous signs; a freshly patched bullet hole in a wall and the presence of what was suspected to be blood. The investigation further uncovered that on the day of Wilkins's disappearance, Renfroe had rented cleaning equipment and purchased additional cleaning supplies from a local hardware store.
As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Renfroe had not acted alone. He had enlisted the help of a friend, 28-year-old Darius Glenn, to clean the apartment and, authorities believe, to dispose of Wilkins's body. In an attempt to evade law enforcement, Renfroe fled to Ohio where he was eventually apprehended on unrelated charges and extradited back to Michigan.
For five months, the whereabouts of James Wilkins remained a painful mystery for his loved ones. Then, in November 2023, a major breakthrough occurred. Acting on credible information, investigators were led to a remote, desolate area in Oscoda Township, about 130 miles from Warren. With the assistance of a Michigan State Police cadaver dog, they discovered a shallow grave in a location covered with thick brush and trees, where Wilkins's body had been buried.
With the discovery of Wilkins's body, the case moved into the judicial system. Donald Renfroe was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual, and felony firearm. Darius Glenn faced charges of tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual, and accessory after the fact to a felony.
In May 2025, Donald Renfroe pleaded no contest to second-degree homicide, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual, and felony firearm charges. As part of a plea bargain, Darius Glenn had earlier pleaded no contest and testified against Renfroe. In July 2025, Renfroe was sentenced to 31 to 60 years in prison for his role in the death of his roommate.
