A Texas man accused of gunning down two people during a robbery at a Shelby Township car dealership has been formally charged — and new details are shedding light on the deadly dispute that led up to the shooting.
Authorities say 46-year-old Terrance Jermaine Sandles, of Houston, Texas, entered Star Auto Sales, located at 47092 Ryan Road, on Friday, November 7, and opened fire — killing Marvan Batoo, 40, of Shelby Township, and Ghaith Baban, 48, of Clinton Township.
The Dispute
Investigators believe the killings stemmed from an ongoing argument over a Hummer vehicle Sandles purchased from the dealership about a month earlier for roughly $3,000.
Roughly three weeks ago, the suspect reportedly returned to the business, angry about the sale and claiming the Hummer was a “lemon.” Witnesses say he made threats at that time toward the owner.
Sandles later returned the vehicle, leaving it in the parking lot, and began driving a different vehicle rented through the car-sharing app Turo.
The Shooting
Detectives say Sandles returned to the dealership on November 7, and during the encounter, opened fire. Five shell casings were recovered inside the office.
After the shooting, an unknown amount of cash was stolen from the business — money that police say was later found with Sandles at the time of his arrest.
Arrest in Romulus
Using FLOCK cameras and cellphone data, police tracked Sandles to a hotel in Romulus, where he was arrested early Saturday morning.
When officers entered the room, they allegedly found two firearms — one on the dresser and another in the bed beside him.
He was also found to have a felony warrant out of Texas.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Sandles was arraigned Monday, November 10, in 41A District Court before Magistrate Christopher Alayan on a lengthy list of charges, including:
⌁ Two counts of First-Degree Premeditated Murder (life without parole)
⌁ Two counts of Armed Robbery
⌁ Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition
⌁ Carrying a Concealed Weapon
⌁ Seven counts of Felony Firearm
He also faces a Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense notice, which could significantly increase his sentence if convicted.
An earlier cocaine delivery charge (50–449 grams) has since been dropped, as prosecutors say federal or other agencies may pursue those charges separately.
Sandles remains held without bond at the Macomb County Jail.
A Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for November 24, followed by a Preliminary Exam on December 1 before Judge Stephen S. Sierawski in Shelby Township.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido called the case “horrifying,” saying his office “will seek justice on behalf of the victims” and extended condolences to the families affected.
All those accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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