On a summer evening in Detroit, Michigan, a dice game at a playground near Edwin Denby High School turned deadly for 33-year-old Darnell Ruffin. On July 9, 2019, the man, also known as 'Romeo,' was shot multiple times during the game. The Wayne County medical examiner later ruled his death a homicide. Ruffin, a Black male, was a resident of Michigan at the time of his passing.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 24-year-old Lonnie Hill.
He was subsequently charged with premeditated first-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm. During his arraignment at Detroit's 36th District Court, Hill was denied bond and taken to the Wayne County Jail.
A probable cause conference was scheduled for August 2 of that year, with a preliminary examination set for August 9, both to be held before Judge Michael Wagner. The case brought attention to the issue of gun violence in the Detroit community. Funeral services for Darnell Ruffin were held at Swanson Funeral Home in Detroit, followed by his burial at Gethsemane Cemetery.
