By Mike Martindale
The Detroit News
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — A 45-year-old man questioned last month in the Thanksgiving weekend slaying of an elderly Southfield woman was released pending testing of forensic evidence that could ultimately lead to a warrant, police said.
Police believe Helen Gale, 81, a retired city of Southfield employee who lived alone, was robbed in her home on the 20200 block of Winchester. Her body, burned beyond recognition, was found Nov. 26 in her burned-out car in an alley behind 196 W. Buena Vista St. near Third Street in Highland Park, 13 miles from her home.
Gale was identified through dental records, police said.
Southfield Police Lt. Nick Loussia said Tuesday that a 45-year-old Southfield man was arrested Jan. 16 and a warrant request was then presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. But any decision on the warrant has been delayed until forensic testing is completed.
“Because an arrest warrant was not issued within 72 hours, the suspect was transferred to the custody of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation warrant,” Loussia said. “It is my understanding he was released from custody last week.”
Loussia said investigators have determined the suspect and Gale knew each other and that “this was not a random act.” Investigators also believe someone may have unknowingly aided the suspect after he dropped off the car in Highland Park; they ask anyone who may have information to come forward.
“It is possible he asked a friend for a ride from there or called a cab,” Loussia said. “We need to talk to anyone who may have been in the area and knows anything.”
Copyright 2012 The Detroit News