A tragic incident marked the first homicide of 2025 in Oakland County, Michigan. Sam Simko, a 66-year-old marijuana business owner, was fatally shot at his workplace in Pontiac on Monday night. Deputies responded to a 911 call made by Simko’s business partner, who discovered him with a gunshot wound at his shop on the 1000 block of University Drive. Authorities pronounced Simko dead at the scene.
According to prosecutors, Simko had been targeted by a man he met at a cannabis festival in Ann Arbor. Investigators believe this man, along with two accomplices, devised a plan to steal up to 50 pounds of marijuana by setting up a fake business deal.
One of the suspects, William Creasy, arranged a meeting with Simko on Monday at his business. Surveillance footage shows Creasy arriving alone in a white Buick Lacrosse. During the meeting, a black Ford Expedition parked nearby entered the business’s parking lot. After Creasy left, the other two suspects, Scott Brown and Deonte Prophett, exited the SUV. Prophett, who was armed with a pistol, entered the building with Brown.
Inside, a violent struggle ensued, and prosecutors say Prophett fired two shots, killing Simko. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard revealed that the suspects tied Simko’s hands with zip ties and placed a bag over his head after shooting him. “They executed the owner in a senseless act of violence,” Sheriff Bouchard said.
The suspects now face serious charges. Creasy and Brown have been charged with felony murder and armed robbery. Prophett faces multiple charges, including felony murder, armed robbery, felony firearm possession, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald expressed her commitment to justice for Simko’s family. “This was a senseless tragedy. We will ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” she said.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of ensuring safety and vigilance in business dealings. Simko’s death is a sobering reminder of the risks individuals in certain industries can face.
