PONTIAC, Mich. (FOX 2) – A fourth person is facing murder charges stemming from the slaying of a marijuana business owner last month in Pontiac.
Christopher Matacia, 33, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was charged with felony murder, armed robbery, two counts of felony firearm, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with the murder of Sam Simko.
The backstory:
Simko, 66, was killed on Jan. 13 during an apparent robbery at his Pontiac marijuana facility.
“The evidence suggests Sam Simko’s murder was the result of a well-coordinated and cold-blooded robbery of his business,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “Everyone involved in the senseless murder of Sam Simko will be brought to justice because Oakland County is, and must remain, a safe place to do business.”
Three other suspects, William Creasy, Scott Brown, and Deonte Prophett, were previously arrested and charged with murder after investigators tracked them to Cincinnati.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said Simko was found shot and zip-tied up with a bag over his head. According to Bouchard, one of the men was let into the business, while the others forced their way inside the building.
“Masked and gloved individuals, as they burst into the business, they basically executed the owner,” he said.
The Source: Information in this story is from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and previous FOX 2 reporting.
Authorities say the murder happened during a robbery last month. Read More
