In the light of a Detroit afternoon, a dispute at a car wash on the city's east side turned fatal, leaving a family heartbroken and seeking answers. Orlando Thomas, a 42-year-old Black male, was working at the car wash on the 12000 block of East McNichols on October 20, 2020, when an argument escalated to gunfire. His brother, who was also present, witnessed the events that led to his sibling's death.
According to his brother's account, an argument broke out between Thomas and another
individual. The situation intensified when the suspect reportedly threatened to kill Thomas. Shortly after, around 2 p.m., the sound of four gunshots echoed through the car wash. When the witness looked, he saw his brother, Orlando Thomas, lying on the ground. He rushed to his side and found him still breathing, with a pulse, and encouraged him to fight for his life.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite the efforts to save him, Thomas succumbed to his injuries. The shooting happened in broad daylight, a brazen act of violence that left the community shaken. In the aftermath, Thomas's family pleaded for anyone with information to come forward and speak with the Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers to help bring the person responsible to justice.
As of now, public information does not indicate that any arrests have been made in connection with the shooting death of Orlando Thomas. The case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for his loved ones, who remember him as a man who loved his family and are left to mourn their loss while hoping for a break in the investigation.
