Case centers on a prior argument over a used Hummer purchase.
MT. CLEMENS, Mich. — Macomb County prosecutors charged a 46-year-old Houston man with two counts of first-degree murder and related felonies Monday in the fatal shootings of the owner and an employee at Star Auto Sales in Shelby Township. Police arrested the suspect early Saturday at a Romulus hotel.
Authorities said the victims, owner Marvan Batoo, 40, and employee Ghaith Baban, 48, were found around 12:28 p.m. Friday after a coworker requested a welfare check. Investigators quickly focused on the suspect, identified as Terrance Jermaine Sandles, tied to a recent dispute over rust and repairs on a roughly $3,000 Hummer. Detectives traced a rental vehicle used by the suspect through a car-sharing app, which led to the hotel near Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said the shooting appeared targeted. “This was no robbery,” he said, describing the owner as the intended victim. Prosecutors also charged armed robbery, several weapons counts, delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance and a habitual offender enhancement. A handgun, cash and suspected cocaine were seized during the arrest, authorities said. Autopsies were ordered; results have not been released. Detectives collected shell casings and interior ballistic damage and continued canvassing neighboring businesses for video.
The dealership sits along a busy stretch near Ryan and Auburn roads. On Friday, crime scene tape ringed the building for much of the afternoon. Customers and nearby workers stopped to watch as technicians moved in and out of the bay doors marking evidence. Over the weekend, mourners placed flowers alongside a sign taped to the glass: “Closed in memory of Marvan and Ghaith.” Friends said both men were known for helping first-time buyers and servicing older vehicles for neighborhood families.
Court officials said Sandles was remanded to the Macomb County Jail without bond. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Nov. 24, with a preliminary examination expected in early December. Prosecutors said additional forensic testing, including ballistics comparisons and fingerprint analysis, will be presented at those hearings. Defense counsel had not been listed by Monday afternoon.
Police said they are not searching for additional suspects. The case returns to court Nov. 24.
Author note: Last updated November 11, 2025.