A weekend homicide that stunned a Pontiac neighborhood has now resulted in a first-degree murder charge after prosecutors say the victim’s own stepson gunned him down while he was out salting local businesses.
52-year-old Antonio Jason Craig was found unresponsive inside his pickup truck around 7:30 p.m. Saturday near his home in Pontiac. The truck, equipped with a salt spreader, was parked in the middle of the roadway. Deputies attempted life-saving measures, but soon discovered Craig had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, 26-year-old Terrell Quayshawn Edwards, a Pontiac resident, is accused of firing five shots at Craig as he sat inside the truck, striking him four times. Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced Wednesday that Edwards is charged with First Degree Murder, two counts of Felony Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Investigators say Craig was Edwards’ stepfather.
Sheriff’s detectives moved quickly after the shooting, using FLOCK shot-spotter data and doorbell camera footage to identify Edwards as the suspect. Deputies located him just over two hours later in Waterford Township, stopping a vehicle he was riding in and taking him into custody without incident in a restaurant parking lot near Dixie Highway and Scott Lake Road.
“Antonio Craig was loved by many, and his loss will be felt in the community,” Prosecutor McDonald said, adding that her office intends to hold the accused fully accountable.
If convicted, Edwards faces life without parole for First Degree Murder. Felony Firearm carries a mandatory two-year sentence served consecutively to any other penalty, and Felon in Possession is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Authorities have not released a motive in the killing.
Charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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