In the summer of 2022, a violent tragedy unfolded on Saratoga Street in Detroit, claiming the life of 55-year-old Alphonso Henry and two other individuals. On the morning of August 6th, police were called to a residence in the 13800 block of the street following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a grim scene with five people suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Alphonso Henry was among those critically injured and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries later that same day. Two other victims, John Coffie Jr., 76, and Morriss Campbell Jr., 41, also tragically lost their lives as a result of the shooting. Two women, aged 55 and 33, were also shot but survived the attack. The incident, which took place at what was described by authorities as a suspected drug house, sent shockwaves through the community.
The investigation into the deadly shooting led authorities to Jony Saad Alatto, a 32-year-old man from Macomb, Michigan. Investigators alleged that Alatto entered the Saratoga Street residence with the intent to commit robbery. It was reported that after stealing crack cocaine, he opened fire on the occupants of the house before fleeing the scene. The diligent work of the Detroit Police Department and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office culminated in Alatto's arrest and subsequent charges nearly two years after the incident.
Jony Saad Alatto was charged with a litany of serious offenses, including three counts of felony murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, five counts of armed robbery, and multiple firearm charges. In a development that brought a degree of closure to the victims' families, Alatto pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder. Following his plea, he was sentenced to a term of 30 to 60 years in prison. During his sentencing, Alatto expressed remorse, stating that he had let drugs control his life.
