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Third Suspect Charged in O'Reilly Auto Parts Store Homicide

Today Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged a third woman, Eboni McEwen-Ross, 28 (DOB: 6/15/1989), of Detroit in connection with the homicide of the O'Reilly Auto Parts store manager, James Haller, 69, of Detroit. On November, 9, 2017 Shawnta S. Anderson, 23 (DOB: 05/29/1994), and Leviticus V. Butler, 38, (DOB: 11/09/1978), both of Detroit, were also charged in connection with the same homicide.

Allegations Against Anderson, McEwen and Butler

On November 1, 2017, at approximately 5:25 p.m., at an O'Reilly Auto Parts Store in the 16800 block of Schaefer in Detroit, Mr. Haller was in a back area of the store. A male and a female, employed as cashiers, were behind a counter, assisting a customer in the front of the store. Defendant Anderson walked in and pointed a handgun at the male employee and ordered him on to the floor. Anderson walked around the counter to the cash register, pointed the gun at the female cashier and ordered her to open the register. It is alleged that McEwen-Ross took money out of the cash register. As Anderson walked from behind the counter, Mr. Haller came from the back of the store and said, "Hey!" and Anderson fired a single shot, striking him in the head. McEwen and Anderson fled from the scene in a SUV. Detroit police and medics arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting and transported Mr. Haller to a local hospital for treatment. Approximately two hours later, on the same day, Mr. Haller was pronounced dead.

It is alleged that after Anderson and McEwen-Ross fled the scene, Butler acted as an accessory after the fact by assisting Anderson in an effort to help her escape the police. Investigation by the Detroit Police Department led to the arrests of Anderson and Butler.

Investigation by the Detroit Police Department led to the identification of McEwen-Ross as a third suspect in the case. On Monday, November 15, 2017, McEwen-Ross surrendered herself to the police accompanied by her attorney Marlon Evans.

Charges and Arraignment Information for McEwen-Ross

McEwen-Ross is charged with one count of Felony Murder*, a felony carrying a penalty of Life in Prison without Parole and two counts of Armed Robbery*, a felony with a maximum penalty of Life in Prison. Today, she was arraigned and remanded to jail in 36th District Court. Her probable cause conference is scheduled for November 29, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. and her preliminary examination is scheduled for December 6, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Lydia Nance Adams in 36th District Court.

Charges and Arraignment Information for Anderson and Butler

Anderson is charged with one count of Felony Murder, a felony carrying a penalty of Life in Prison without Parole., two counts of Armed Robbery a felony with a maximum penalty of Life in Prison, and three counts of Felony Firearm, a felony with a two year consecutive penalty.* Butler is charged with one count of Accessory After the Fact, a felony with a maximum penalty of five years.* Both defendants were arraigned in 36th District Court at 2:30 p.m. on November 9, 2017. Anderson was remanded to jail. Butler received a $500,000 cash bond with a provision for a tether if he is able to post bond. Both defendants will have their probable cause conferences on November 21, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. and preliminary examinations on November 28, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.

Statement of Prosecutor Worthy

"By all accounts Mr. Haller was a valued ex-Marine, employee, police reservist, husband, and father. His death is heartbreaking. We will vigorously prosecute this case and do our very best to bring justice to Mr. Haller and his family."

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

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