In the early evening of February 29, 2016, a burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of the Hunters Ridge Apartments in Flint Township. When police arrived at the complex on Ridgecliffe Drive, they discovered 25-year-old Antonio Terrell Watkins lying in the parking lot, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
A second man, a 24-year-old from Flint, had also been shot during the incident but was able to drive himself to the hospital and was listed in stable condition.
Antonio, known to his loved ones as 'Rony,' was a Black/African American male born and raised in Flint. He was a father of two daughters and a step-son, and was engaged to be married. Described as a man with a 'big, bright smile,' he was a former team leader at Stratosphere Quality, LLC and was deeply passionate about his family. His obituary paints a picture of a man who loved to spend quality time with his children, enjoyed trips to the casino, and shopping.
The investigation into Antonio's death pointed to a suspect described as a Black male who may have fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV. At the time of the initial reports, the investigation was ongoing, and police were seeking information from the public. There have been no subsequent reports of arrests, charges, trials, or convictions in connection with the murder of Antonio Terrell Watkins. His death was a result of gun violence, a loss that was deeply felt by his large family and community. Funeral services were held on March 9, 2016, at the Triumph - Flint Campus, and he was laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery.
