On Halloween night in 2021, a violent encounter outside a Pontiac, Michigan, grocery store tragically cut short the life of 39-year-old Frederick Lamar Betty, a male known to his loved ones as 'Gutta Gutta.' The incident, which also left another man wounded, set in motion a search for the person responsible for the fatal shooting. Frederick Betty succumbed to his injuries the following day, on November 1, 2021.
Authorities quickly identified Troy Dwayne Santos, then 29, as the suspect in
the shooting that occurred at the Lions Food Market on Auburn Avenue. An investigation revealed that as Betty was leaving the store, he encountered Santos who was approaching. After a brief look back from Betty, Santos opened fire, striking him in the back. The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear to investigators, with some reports suggesting the two men were acquainted. Following the incident, Santos fled, prompting a manhunt that involved the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals. A reward of $2,000 was offered for information leading to his capture, as he was considered armed and extremely dangerous.
After months as a fugitive, Troy Dwayne Santos was apprehended. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, but in a significant development in the case, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on November 13, 2023. In addition to the murder charge, Santos also pleaded guilty to assault with intent to murder, two counts of felony firearm, and a habitual second offense notice. The plea agreement acknowledged his responsibility for the death of Frederick Betty and the injury to the second victim.
The legal proceedings concluded on January 9, 2024, when Troy Dwayne Santos was sentenced for his crimes. His guilty plea brought a degree of closure to the family and friends of Frederick Lamar Betty. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated that the plea guaranteed the safety of the community and hoped it provided some comfort to the victim's loved ones. Santos, who had a prior criminal record that included convictions for unlawfully driving away an automobile and domestic violence, faced a maximum sentence of life in prison for his role in the tragic death of Frederick Betty.
