OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A fourth man has been charged in connection to the murder of an Oakland County marijuana grow business owner, officials said.
Christopher Matacia, 33, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been charged with felony murder, armed robbery, two counts of felony firearm and firearm possession by a prohibited person, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
The 33-year-old was allegedly involved in the robbery and murder of Sam Simko, 66, of Commerce Township, at his business in Pontiac on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
“They basically executed the owner,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 15. “They shot him in the head, then zip-tied him, and then put a bag over his head.”
This comes after three other men, William Gregory Creasy, 24; Scott Aloysius Brown, 28; and Deonte Damonte Prophett, 32, were arraigned on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in connection to Simko’s death.
“The evidence suggests Sam Simko’s murder was the result of a well-coordinated and cold-blooded robbery of his business,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “Everyone involved in the senseless murder of Sam Simko will be brought to justice because Oakland County is, and must remain, a safe place to do business.”
