Strong Support For Murder Suspect
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - The man accused of killing a Southfield store employee made a brief appearance Wednesday in 46th District Court in Southfield.
Family and friends came out in strong support of 48-year-old Bruce Butler, according to WWJ Newsradio 950's Chrystal Knight. Butler was accused of the October 2010 shooting death of 48-year old Mazin "Mike" Khmoro, at Cronin's Liquor Store in Southfield.
Southfield Police Lt. Nick Loussia said Butler was a customer at the store, but investigators aren't talking about a possible motive because the investigation is on-going.
Minister Kenneth Wright of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Southfield said Butler is a good Christian family man who could have not committed this crime.
"They have the wrong man," said Wright. "I can understand the frustration of the system, trying to find a person who committed this heinous crime. At this point in time, until something else is put before me to prove otherwise, they just got the wrong man."
Dale Shots, a co-worker of Butler at the GM power plant for almost thirty years, said this crime does not fit Butler's character.
"A gentle, kind man always willing to help anybody in need," said Shots.
Meantime, Ken Maddy, the nephew of Khmoro, along with other family members, are hoping for justice in the death of a man they say will be greatly missed.
"He was a religious man, he was a hard worker and he took care of his family all of his life," said Maddy.
"I think he is an innocent man not at all involved with this horrible crime that has been committed against the business owner," said another friend. "I believe that if the truth comes out and he is tried by a jury of his peers, he will be found innocent of the charge."
A preliminary exam has been rescheduled for August 18.
