A 27-year-old loving father and football coach, James Wilkins, was reported missing by his concerned friends and family on June 9, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance immediately raised suspicions of foul play, prompting a thorough investigation by the Warren Police Department. Investigators quickly identified his roommate, 27-year-old Donald Renfroe, as a person of interest in the case.
As the investigation intensified, a search warrant was executed at the apartment
Wilkins and Renfroe shared. The search of the residence uncovered disturbing evidence, including what appeared to be a recently patched bullet hole in a wall and the presence of suspected blood. Further investigation revealed that on the day of Wilkins's disappearance, Renfroe had rented cleaning equipment and purchased additional cleaning supplies from a local hardware store, suggesting an attempt to conceal a crime. Detectives also located and seized handguns associated with Renfroe. The investigation pointed to the involvement of an accomplice, 28-year-old Darius Glenn, who allegedly assisted Renfroe in cleaning the apartment and is believed to have helped dispose of Wilkins's body.
While the investigation was ongoing, Renfroe fled to Ohio, where he was apprehended on unrelated charges and subsequently extradited back to Michigan to face allegations in connection with Wilkins's disappearance. After a meticulous and lengthy investigation, which included obtaining credible and reliable information, investigators were led to a remote, desolate area in Oscoda Township. The area, covered with thick brush and trees, became the focus of a search with the assistance of a Michigan State Police cadaver dog. In November 2023, more than five months after he was reported missing, Wilkins's buried body was discovered.
Following the discovery of Wilkins's body and the evidence gathered against them, both Donald Renfroe and Darius Glenn were charged for their roles in his death. Renfroe was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual, and felony firearm. Glenn faced charges of tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact to a felony. In May 2025, Donald Renfroe pleaded no contest to second-degree homicide, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual, and felony firearm charges. As part of a plea deal, Darius Glenn, who pleaded no contest in June, testified against Renfroe. In July 2025, Renfroe was sentenced to a prison term of 31 to 60 years for his role in the death of James Wilkins.
