Pontiac, Mich — A Tragic Incident Over a Dice Game
In Pontiac, the police have been dealing with a deeply troubling situation following a tragic incident that escalated from what should have been a friendly game of dice. On October 7, 32-year-old Davonte Demetri Franklin from Detroit is now facing serious charges after the game took a deadly turn, resulting in the loss of two lives.
The Sequence of Events
During this unfortunate encounter, Franklin reportedly lost $80 while gambling, which triggered a series of events that ended with two men dead—20-year-old Sidney Ward III from Highland Park and 24-year-old Tyrone Davis Glenn Jr. from Pontiac. The deadly shooting took place in an apartment located on North Sanford Street, creating shockwaves throughout the community.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the initial call came in from a concerned citizen who heard gunshots around the neighborhood. When officers arrived, they found that Ward was pronounced dead at the scene, and Glenn was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after. It was revealed that Franklin managed to flee the scene via Uber before law enforcement could catch up with him.
The Odd Attempt to Conceal
In a bizarre twist, it was revealed that Franklin had tried to use a potato as a makeshift silencer during the shooting, although this literally backfired, drawing significant attention when neighbors reported hearing gunshots. Oakland County Sheriff, Michael Bouchard, expressed his disbelief at the lengths to which Franklin went to commit the crime and the shocking disregard for life displayed in this incident.
Law Enforcement Takes Action
Franklin was apprehended less than twelve hours later by a dedicated team including the sheriff’s fugitive apprehension taskforce, Detroit, and Southfield police, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was found walking on Eight Mile Road, carrying groceries and a case of beer. Bouchard remarked on the senselessness of the violence, stating, “extreme violence over nothing; the lack of walking away from a situation you intentionally put yourself in.” He also emphasized that gambling, especially when it leads to such dire consequences, is not worth it.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Franklin is facing serious criminal charges including two counts of murder, three counts of using a firearm to commit a felony, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 22 at the 50th District Court in Pontiac. As this case progresses, many in the community are left reflecting on the potential for violence and the values we hold when it comes to human life.
A Community in Shock
The horrifying outcome of a seemingly trivial matter is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence that can arise from arguments or disagreements. As Sheriff Bouchard put it, “I have been in this a long time, but it is still shocking to see the lack of value some people place on a human life.” Many are now rallying together, hoping for a future where such incidents are not commonplace, and emphasizing the need for conflict resolution that doesn’t involve violence.
As the community of Pontiac processes this shocking news, it is crucial to remember the lives lost and the impact of violence on families and neighborhoods. We can only hope that the forthcoming court proceedings bring some sense of justice and reflection on this tragic event.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
