Prosecutor: Man shot every customer in Detroit gas station after clerk locked him inside

Three men locked inside a Detroit gas station were all shot, one fatally, after the alleged shooter's credit card was declined, according to prosecutors.

Samuel McCray, 27, was caught on Project Green Light camera surveillance at about 3 a.m. May 6 going into a gas station in the 12800 block of West McNichols, arguing with the clerk when his card was declined for the less than $4 purchase and becoming upset, a prosecutor said at McCray's arraignment for murder, attempted murder and several weapons charges.

36th District Court Magistrate Dawn White remanded McCray to the Wayne County Jail, saying he was "a serious threat to the community." Prosecutors had asked for a $10 million cash bond.

McCray's attorney, whose name was unclear, said McCray suffers from severe mental illness and has paranoid schizophrenia. She said he was upset he was locked in the gas station against his will, as were other customers. He had been complying with the requirements of his probation, she said.

When McCray tried to leave the gas station but could not — the clerk had electronically locked the front door because he thought McCray was going to try to leave with the items he had tried to buy, the prosecutor said — he became upset and kept arguing with the clerk and another man in the shop.

McCray allegedly told the customer in the shop, Gregory Kelly, that he would shoot Kelly, the prosecutor said. McCray then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Kelly, a 37-year-old man and a 60-year-old man, according to Detroit police. Kelly died from his wounds.

Police said the victims were all "innocent customers."

David Langston told The Detroit News he was the 37-year-old victim and Kelly's best friend.

Before the shooting, Langston said he heard McCray threaten to "shoot everybody" if the doors weren't unlocked.

The clerk unlocked the door and McCray left the gas station and got into the back of a vehicle his mother was driving. His mother drove McCray back to his house, then called McCray's sister to come pick him up, prosecutors said.

Police ultimately arrested McCray the next day after tracking him with his phone. McCray allegedly admitted to not calling police before or after the shooting, getting rid of the clothes he wore during the shooting, disposing of the gun and planning to get rid of his phone. Prosecutors said McCray allegedly knew police were searching for him.

McCray was on probation for a weapons charge at the time of the shooting, prosecutors said.

The shooting remains under investigation, said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. The Prosecutor's Office was going to hold a press conference Wednesday, but canceled it because of the ongoing investigation.

Ali Dagher, an attorney for the Mobil gas station, released a statement on Tuesday calling the crime "heinous and senseless" and thanking law enforcement for apprehending the suspect. The incident proves the need for stricter gun control laws and community unity, the statement said.

"SMM Mobil extends its prayers and deepest condolences to the family of the deceased... as well as the wounded victim and the other customer who was injured," the statement said. "We are devastated by this horrific tragedy and will do all we can to assist and aid in the investigation.

The city's Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department closed the gas station because it said it was unlicensed. Dagher said the gas station's efforts to obtain a business license are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Langston mourned the loss of a close friend he said he had known for more than 20 years and was only a month older.

Kelly was "a great friend, a wonderful dad," Langston said. "He (has) always been there for me like I was there for him. Everybody else in the city of Detroit loved him."

Staff Writer Mark Hicks contributed