3 Men Arrested In Deadly Oakland County Boat Launch Shooting: Sheriff

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI — Three men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man who was found dead near Proud Lake in Oakland County last week, according to sheriff's officials.

Andre Sontay Avant, 19, from Inkster, was found shot to death along Wixom Road near the Proud Lake boat launch in Commerce Township on Feb. 16, sheriff's officials said.

Three 19-year-old men, two from Romulus and one from Taylor, were arrested last Thursday in connection with the shooting. Officials did not identify them as charges were pending.

Investigators said there was no connection between the victim, the suspects and the community where Avant's body was found.

"At this time, we have reason to believe the victim was brought to the area and murdered," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "It is deeply troubling to see individuals place so little value on human life. This was a senseless and brutal act."

An autopsy by the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Avant was fatally shot in the head. Officials ruled the shooting a homicide.

Police are still investigating and ask anyone with information about the shooting, or who may have seen Avant on Sunday or early Monday to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Tipsters remain anonymous.