PONTIAC, MI – A chilling murder has rocked the community of Pontiac, Michigan, as a marijuana business owner was brutally killed in what authorities describe as an execution-style slaying. The investigation has led law enforcement to Cincinnati, Ohio, where three suspects have been apprehended, while a fourth individual remains at large.
The victim, 66-year-old Sam Simko, was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, his hands bound with zip ties, and a bag placed over his head. Despite the licensed status of his business, the assailants did not take any cash but made off with 50 pounds of marijuana. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has labeled the crime as horrific.
The suspects, Scott Brown, William Creasy, and Deontay Profit, were arrested in Cincinnati following a coordinated effort between local police and federal agents. Authorities believe Profit was the shooter in this violent act. All three suspects are convicted felons and had prior interactions with Simko, having met him at a cannabis event in Ann Arbor.
Investigators are treating the incident as a cautionary tale for marijuana businesses, highlighting the dual threat posed by their possession of cash and drugs, which are highly attractive to criminals. The suspects allegedly traveled from Ohio to Michigan with the intent to commit robbery and murder.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Police Department, executed search warrants which led to the arrests. The ATF has confirmed that the suspects had previously met Simko, suggesting a potential business disagreement as a motive for the crime.
While the primary suspects are in custody, the investigation is ongoing as law enforcement continues to search for the fourth suspect. The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by those in the cannabis industry and raises questions about safety measures and regulatory oversight.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, authorities urge anyone with information about the remaining suspect to come forward. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the burgeoning marijuana industry and the need for heightened security measures.
The murder of Sam Simko has left a void in the community, and the pursuit of justice remains a top priority for investigators. The incident has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by legal cannabis businesses in an environment where crime and opportunity intersect.