Sterling Heights police are investigating after three separate murders in less than two weeks.
The first mystery surrounds two murders on different days at Laith's Candy Land, a candy import business in the city.
The business is located off Mound Road.
On November 28, police say 51-year-old Sufian Saba was found shot to death inside. On December 2, 26-year-old Laith Anki was found murdered. Anki is Saba's nephew and we're told he owned the Candy Land.
People sharing space in the industrial park say they didn't even know the business existed. Police do not believe the two murders were random.
"We don't believe this was a random act of violence, no one walked in from the street to commit these crimes, we feel comfortable saying they were targeted,” said Chief Dale Dwojakowski with the Sterling Heights Police Department regarding the Candy Land murders.
Then, on December 9, a young nurse was gunned down outside of a Sterling Heights apartment complex.
Kiah Hopson, 24, was killed early that morning outside of the Parkside Apartments near Van Dyke Ave and Utica.
Police believe Hopson's murder is not connected to the two murders at the Candy Land. They say they don't have any leads are are asking for the public's help.
Hopson’s closest family and friends said they are still trying to process the fact that someone murdered her.
"When I say she was perfect, if there was a word better than perfect, she was it,” said Kiah’s cousin, Deasha.
Anyone with information regarding any of these three murders is asked to call police.
The mayor of Sterling Heights has released the following statement about the recent homicides:
“Sterling Heights has experienced three homicides over the past few weeks, which is unusual for our very safe City. Sterling Heights Police has reported all three incidents are isolated and involve unique circumstances related to the victims. The City has experienced homicides in the past and, in all cases, the outcome has resulted in the perpetrators being captured and brought to justice. Residents can take comfort knowing the Sterling Heights Police Department is working around the clock to solve these homicides while continuing to do all that is possible to keep residents safe. The City Council and I have full faith and confidence in our Police Department. We will keep residents informed as more information is known.”
