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Family members killed in 2 'targeted' shootings inside Laith's Candy Land in Sterling Heights

Family has left area as killers remain on loose

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Police believe two family members were targeted in separate fatal shootings inside Laith's Candy Land in Sterling Heights.

The family is in mourning and has left the area as the killers remain on the loose. Family member Sam Saba spoke to Local 4 via Facetime.

"We definitely all are fearful," Saba said. "We have taken as many precautions as we can. This has been two targeted family members, close family members."

The family is protecting itself after Saba's 51-year-old father, Sufian Samuel Saba, was found shot to death Nov. 27 in the office of Laith's Candy Land, a candy and nut wholesaler off of Mound Road in Sterling Heights.

The owner of Laith's Candy Land is Sufian Saba's nephew, 27-year-old Laith Anki. He wrote a tribute to his uncle on Facebook, saying: "He was taken from his family way too early. The world will never be as happy without him."

The family canceled Sufian Saba's funeral Saturday when police returned to their home to say Anki had been shot to death inside the business.

"We believe the two homicides are targeted and related in nature," said Sterling Heights Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski.

"We believe it is related, and so do the detectives," Sam Saba said. "There is a relation. They are family, work at the same place, killed (at the) same spot."

Sam Saba said the business has only been open since September, so it's too early for there to be money problems deep enough to lead to a double murder.

Family members want to know who is responsible for the shootings and why.

"We don't know anyone who knew them in a negative way or wanted to do this," Sam Saba said.

You can visit Sufian Samuel Saba's GoFundMe page here.


About the Authors
Shawn Ley headshot

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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