Three 19-year-olds arrested after 19-year-old found shot dead near Proud Lake in Commerce Township

Body found at boat launch; investigators say victim was brought to the area

Three 19-year-old men were arrested Thursday in connection with the homicide of Andre Sontay Avant Jr., 19, who was found dead near the Proud Lake boat launch in Commerce Township on February 16, 2026. Authorities said Avant was discovered on Wixom Road by a park visitor.

An autopsy determined Avant died from a gunshot wound to the head. The death was ruled a homicide.

Where the arrests happened and what is known about the suspects

The three suspects—two from Romulus and one from Taylor—were taken into custody by a sheriff’s office fugitive apprehension team. Two were arrested in Romulus. The third was apprehended in Garden City after attempting to flee, authorities said.

As of Saturday, prosecutors had not publicly announced charges or identified the suspects by name. Investigators said the suspects were expected to face charges as soon as Monday, February 23, 2026.

Investigators cite “no connection” to the discovery location

Authorities said investigators have not found a connection between the victim, the suspects and the community where the victim was discovered. Investigators believe Avant was brought to the Proud Lake area and killed there.

Officials described the homicide as a “senseless and brutal act,” while emphasizing that the case moved quickly from an initial stage with limited information to arrests within roughly a week.

Search warrants and multi-unit investigation

Authorities said multiple specialized units participated in the investigation and arrest operation, including:

• Special investigations personnel
• Computer crimes investigators
• Crime scene specialists
• A fugitive apprehension team
• Commerce Township-based personnel

Investigators said the team executed multiple search warrants during the weeklong push to identify and locate suspects.

What remains unclear

Authorities have not released a motive, described how Avant came to be in the suspects’ presence, or detailed where the shooting occurred relative to the lake area. It is also unclear whether investigators believe additional people were involved, or whether any weapon has been recovered.

If charges are authorized, the case is expected to move next into arraignments and preliminary hearings, where probable cause and bond conditions are typically addressed.

The investigation remained active Saturday as authorities prepared case materials for prosecutors.