DETROIT – Sandra Bradford's family said she should be here today.
But Bradford was gunned down in the front of her home in late August. She was talking to a man named Eric Carter when men drove up and opened fire.
Carter was hit 10 times and survived. Sources say he was the ringleader of the Ravendale gang which was busted by Detroit police for dealing heroin, cocaine, guns and for dogfighting. His name is found on a federal indictment.
At the time of the gang bust, the FBI said:
"The success and impact of this joint effort is an example of our continued commitment together to ensure public safety ... " -- Special Agent Paul Abbate, FBI
However, all 24 gang members were granted bond by a federal magistrate. All of them, including Eric Cater, were released. He was targeted after his release.
On Thursday afternoon a man was shot three times in the head at a home on Meyers. His name is Derek Carter, Eric's twin brother. Derek also is believed to be a ringleader in the Ravendale gang.
Neighbors said they didn't see or hear a thing. Sources say that's because this shooting was another hit. Derek Carter also had been granted a low $10,000 bond by Magistrate Stephen Whalen.
Sources say the Carter twins were targeted to keep them from cooperating with the investigation. However, by giving the members bond, sources say, that's made it easy for the gang to continue its violent activity.
If the gang members were locked up then the Carter twins wouldn't have been shot and Sandra Bradford wouldn't have been killed.