AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – A man killed an Oakland County artist during an argument over paint supplies, a jury determined.
Oakland County prosecutors said Malcolm Otis Draper Jr., 24, of Pontiac, went the home of Anthony Russell Holcomb, 47, of Auburn Hills, around 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 2023.
Holcomb, an artist, was doing some painting work for Draper when the two got into an argument that turned physical, officials said.
Draper was on top of Holcomb when he shot the other man in the neck, took the paint supplies, and left, according to prosecutors. Holcomb died from his injuries.
Draper called police to tell them he had shot someone, they said.
He was charged with murder and a felony firearm violation.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, a jury convicted Draper of second-degree murder and felony firearm after a three-day trial. Their deliberations lasted for a day and a half.
“This was a senseless killing over a petty dispute,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “While this verdict does not bring back the life of the victim, I hope that it brings some peace to the victim’s family and loved ones.”
Draper is being held at the Oakland County Jail. Sentencing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 4, 2024.