In the early hours of a Monday morning in Pontiac, Michigan, a dispute tragically escalated, ending the life of 66-year-old Wyatt Earp Gean. On May 8, 2023, shortly before 3 a.m., authorities were called to the 700 block of Whittemore Street following reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, they discovered Gean, a Black male, with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
The investigation into Gean's death quickly pointed to a suspect. Within 11 hours of the shooting, police arrested 32-year-old Maurice Eugene Sanders in connection with the incident. An argument between the two men reportedly preceded the fatal shooting. Sanders, a resident of Pontiac with a significant criminal history, was subsequently charged with open murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and being a felon in possession of a weapon. His past convictions, dating back to 2007 in Florida and 2013 in Georgia, include offenses such as vehicle theft, drug possession, and fleeing from law enforcement.
Following his arrest, Sanders was arraigned in 50th District Court in Pontiac. Given the severity of the charges and his criminal background, he was ordered to be held without bond. His next court appearance was scheduled for May 23, 2023.
