Man pleads no contest to 2023 shooting that killed 1, injured another

Barry Garza, 61, faces up to life in prison for the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend Amber Jo Thomas, 40, and injuring another person.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Barry Garza, 61, has pleaded no contest to charges of second-degree murder and assault with intent to murder for a 2023 shooting outside a Saline, Michigan senior living center that killed his ex-girlfriend Amber Jo Thomas, 40, and injured another 67-year-old man. Garza is facing up to life in prison and is set to be sentenced on April 24.

Why it matters

The shooting was part of a record-breaking year of violent crime in Washtenaw County, Michigan, and highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for effective enforcement of personal protection orders.

The details

In August 2023, Garza fatally shot his ex-girlfriend Amber Jo Thomas near the Linden Square Assisted Living Center in Saline as Thomas and a 67-year-old male acquaintance were walking to her car in the parking lot of the UAW Local 892. Garza fled the scene but was later involved in a head-on crash. Thomas died from her injuries at the hospital, while the other victim was reported to be in stable condition. Police confirmed that Thomas had a personal protection order against Garza, though it had not yet been served at the time of the shooting.

  • In August 2023, the shooting occurred outside the Linden Square Assisted Living Center in Saline, Michigan.
  • On February 17, 2026, Garza pleaded no contest to the charges.
  • Garza is set to be sentenced on April 24, 2026.

The players

Barry Garza

A 61-year-old man who pleaded no contest to charges of second-degree murder and assault with intent to murder for a 2023 shooting that killed his ex-girlfriend and injured another person.

Amber Jo Thomas

A 40-year-old woman who was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend Barry Garza in 2023 outside a senior living center in Saline, Michigan.

Marlene Radzik

The Saline police chief who previously provided details about the 2023 shooting.

Carol Kuhnke

The Washtenaw County Trial Court judge presiding over Garza's case.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.