Share:
Font Size:

Detroit Man Charged in McKinney Street Double Homicide

Robert Bryant Watts, 36 (DOB: 01/24/1981), has been charged in connection with the homicide of his wife Theresa Janay Watts, 36, and her friend Tarance Daivon Smith, 35, all are Detroit residents. On December 31, 2017 at approximately 5:00 p.m., it is alleged that the defendant went over to Mrs. Watt's home located in the 9200 block of McKinney and demanded to see his three children. When Mrs. Watts remained near the door and refused the demand, it is alleged that the defendant pulled out a handgun and shot Mrs. Watts while her children were present. After the shooting, he made the children go into a bathroom. Once they were inside, it is alleged that the defendant shot Mr. Smith while he was seated at the kitchen table. After the shooting, the children left the home and were later found at the home of a relative.

On January 1, 2017, the Detroit Police Department was called to the home on McKinney and discovered the lifeless bodies of Mrs. Watts and Mr. Smith. Investigation by DPD led to the arrest of Defendant Watts on January 2, 2018.

Watts has been charged with two counts of First Degree Premeditated Murder and two counts of Felony Firearm*. Watts was arraigned this afternoon before 36th District Court Magistrate Charles Anderson. The probable cause conference is scheduled for January 12, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.; the preliminary examination is scheduled for January 19, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Both hearings are before Judge Lydia Nance Adams in 36th District Court.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

#####