In the late autumn of 2017, a Sterling Heights business became the scene of a chilling double murder that began with the death of 51-year-old Sufin “Samuel” Saba. On November 27th, Saba, a male, was found shot to death inside Laith's Candy Land, a candy and nut wholesale business he co-owned. The grim discovery marked the start of a complex and troubling investigation for local law enforcement.
The initial shock and grief had hardly settled when, just five days later, tragedy struck the same family and business again. Saba's nephew and business partner, Laith Anki, was also found murdered by gunshot at Laith's Candy Land. The proximity and similarity of the two killings led investigators to believe the homicides were related and that the victims had been specifically targeted.
Despite an extensive investigation, the case has grown cold, leaving a community with unanswered questions and a family devastated by their loss. Authorities revealed that they were searching for at least two suspects who were seen entering the business on the day of Saba's murder. Surveillance footage also indicated the involvement of a third individual who repositioned a getaway vehicle. However, as of late 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders of Sufin Saba and Laith Anki. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, and the suspects have not been publicly identified.
A reward was offered for any information that could lead to an arrest and bring closure to the grieving families. The Sterling Heights Police Department has continued to appeal to the public for any leads that might help them solve this baffling and tragic case. The murders of the uncle and nephew have left a lasting scar on the community, a grim reminder of a violent crime that remains unsolved.
