Alleged Southwest Detroit Loft Killer Heads to Circuit Court

Damon Bentley bound over to Wayne County circuit court after preliminary hearing in 2025 shooting death.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:52pm

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A 27-year-old Detroit man accused of killing a 28-year-old Westland resident outside a Southwest Detroit apartment complex in May 2025 has been ordered to stand trial in Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court. Damon Bentley faces charges of first-degree murder, felony-firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of homicide prosecutions in Michigan, where a first-degree murder conviction can carry a life sentence and mandatory firearm penalties. The transition from district court to the county's felony docket also signals the case is moving toward a potential jury trial.

The details

Bentley was first charged in May 2025 and a judge has now bound him over to the 3rd Circuit Court after finding probable cause at a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors say the shooting happened outside the Grand Lofts apartment complex in Southwest Detroit, and the victim was a 28-year-old man from Westland who died at the scene.

  • The shooting allegedly took place on May 4, 2025.
  • Bentley's initial arraignment was in the 36th District Court last spring.
  • Bentley is scheduled to appear in the 3rd Circuit Court on April 14, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Damon Bentley

A 27-year-old Detroit resident who has been charged with first-degree murder, felony-firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon in the May 2025 shooting death.

Dana Nessel

The Michigan Attorney General, who said her office will continue to pursue justice in this case as it moves to the county's felony calendar.

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What they’re saying

“I am relieved that this case will now move forward to trial, where my office will continue to pursue justice for this young man.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

What’s next

Bentley is due back in the 3rd Circuit Court on April 14 at 9 a.m., when judges could set pretrial deadlines and a trial calendar. If prosecutors press forward, the case will move from district-level procedures into the county's felony docket, with a longer schedule for motions, discovery and potential jury selection.

The takeaway

This case highlights the gravity of homicide prosecutions in Michigan, where a first-degree murder conviction can result in a life sentence and mandatory firearm penalties. The transition to the county's felony docket signals the case is moving toward a potential jury trial, where prosecutors will seek to hold the defendant accountable.