MT CLEMENS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Texas man charged after allegedly killing two men at Star Auto Sales in Shelby Township earlier this month will receive a mental health evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand trial, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office tells us.
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Jermaine Sandles appeared in court virtually on Monday morning. Police say Sandles shot and killed the shop's owner, 40-year-old Marvan Batoo, and a customer, 48-year-old Ghaith Baban.
The victim's families told 7 News Detroit previously that the suspect was upset over rust he found on a Hummer he purchased two months ago.
Sandles is facing the following charges:
- Two Counts: Homicide – Murder First Degree – Premeditated, a life without parole felony
- Two Counts: Armed Robbery, a life or any term of years felony
- One Count: Weapons – Firearms – Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony
- One Count: Weapons – Ammunition – Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony
- One Count: Weapons – Carrying Concealed, a 5-year felony
- Six Counts: Weapons - Felony Firearm, each a 2-year felony, consecutive to main charges
- Sandles also has a Habitual Offender - Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.
Sandles is being held without bond and is in custody at the Macomb County Jail. A probable cause hearing date will be set to review the evaluation results and status of the case.
"Mental health evaluations are a necessary step in the criminal justice process. They allow us to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial and ensure that any prosecution proceeds in a manner that is legally sound," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido via press release.
