Three Detroit Residents Charged in Killing of Witness

Prosecutors say the murder was tied to the victim's expected testimony in an upcoming criminal case.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violent crime and the investigation into the witness's murder.The brutal killing of a witness in Detroit underscores the challenges the justice system faces when those who come forward to testify are threatened or attacked.Today in Detroit

Three Detroit residents have been charged in the October 2025 killing of 42-year-old Robert Harbin, who was expected to testify in an upcoming criminal case. Prosecutors say 52-year-old Bekelba Migel Holland tracked Harbin, approached him in his car, and shot him several times, while 48-year-old Tycie Denise Parham and 62-year-old Gerald Keith Towns are accused of aiding and abetting the killing.

Why it matters

Attacks on witnesses undermine the justice system by discouraging people from testifying and making it harder to bring cases to trial. Michigan has specific laws against witness intimidation, bribery, and interference, with lengthy prison terms for those convicted.

The details

According to prosecutors, on October 14, 2025, Holland tracked Harbin to a home on Kelly Road near Moross in Detroit, approached him in his vehicle, and shot him several times, killing him. Parham and Towns are accused of aiding and abetting the murder. All three are facing charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and witness intimidation.

  • On October 14, 2025, Harbin was shot and killed in his car.
  • Parham was arraigned on April 2, 2026 and is next due in court on April 10.
  • Towns is scheduled for arraignment on April 3, 2026 after 10:30 a.m. and is already awaiting a separate trial on violent-crime charges set for June 29, 2026.

The players

Robert Harbin

A 42-year-old man who was expected to testify in an upcoming criminal case and was killed while sitting in his car.

Bekelba Migel Holland

A 52-year-old Detroit resident charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, witness intimidation, and multiple weapons offenses for allegedly tracking Harbin and shooting him in his car.

Tycie Denise Parham

A 48-year-old Detroit resident charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and witness intimidation for allegedly aiding and abetting the killing of Harbin.

Gerald Keith Towns

A 62-year-old Detroit resident charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and witness intimidation for allegedly aiding and abetting the killing of Harbin. He is already awaiting a separate trial on violent-crime charges.

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What’s next

Prosecutors say arrangements are being made for Holland's arraignment, and more information is expected to surface as arraignments proceed and new court records are filed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences of witness intimidation and the challenges the justice system faces when witnesses are threatened or killed. It underscores the importance of protecting those who come forward to testify, and the need for strong laws and enforcement to deter such crimes.