In the spring of 2015, the life of 33-year-old Robert Alexander Arch was cut short in a violent encounter in Alpena, Michigan. On the afternoon of May 13, a vehicle approached his home on Sable Street. A man inside, later identified as Christopher Tank, opened fire, fatally wounding Arch in what authorities described as a drive-by shooting. Despite his injuries, Arch was able to identify his assailant to first responders before he succumbed to his wounds at the hospital shortly thereafter.
The investigation swiftly focused on Christopher Tank, who had once been a friend to Arch. Their relationship, however, had soured over time. One source of friction was a custody dispute involving a child Arch had fathered with Tank's sister. Witnesses reported that on the day of the shooting, Tank had driven to Arch's house and was told to leave. He returned a short time later, at which point the fatal shots were fired.
Following the shooting, Tank fled the area but was apprehended by police later the same day as he was heading out of town. He was subsequently charged with first-degree premeditated murder, among other offenses. During the trial, the jury heard testimony from multiple witnesses, including Arch's girlfriend who was present at the scene. A crucial piece of evidence was the testimony from a paramedic who stated that Arch had identified 'Tank' as the shooter in his final moments.
Ultimately, Christopher Tank was found guilty of the murder of Robert Alexander Arch. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The court also handed down sentences for related charges, including discharge of a firearm from a vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon. During the sentencing, family members, including Arch's mother and brother, delivered emotional impact statements, describing the profound loss their family had endured.
