An Ann Arbor man is facing a lengthy prison sentence for the beating death of a Flint man after a dispute over building access turned deadly. Quinntrell Devon Willis, 45, was sentenced to 50 to 75 years behind bars on April 8 for the second-degree murder of 67-year-old Ray Whitaker, reported MLive. The confrontation occurred at the Simmons Square Apartments in Flint on March 12, 2023, culminating in a brutal attack that resulted in Whitaker's death 10 days later.
Charges against Willis, initially for first-degree premeditated murder, were reduced to second-degree after a trial in March where a jury found him guilty of the lesser charge. Willis' nephew, Monte Devon Ayers, 22, was also implicated in the attack; however, he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder in exchange for a reduced sentence and testimony against his uncle, according to ABC12. Ayers received an 11-year sentence in November.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office that the violence ensued after Whitaker, who did not recognize Willis, refused to let him into the building contrary to apartment policy. Testimony indicated that Willis then assaulted Whitaker, punching him multiple times upon gaining entry into the lobby. Video surveillance captured both attacks, which further included Ayers kicking Whitaker twice as he lay on the ground, as stated in reports obtained by WNEM.
During sentencing, Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Mark W. Latchana referred to Willis's previous record of seven felonies and six misdemeanors before deciding on the 50-year minimum. "The court's decision has to focus on punishment. And Mr. Willis took the life of another individual who was doing nothing," Judge Latchana said, in a statement obtained by WNEM. Ray Whitaker's daughters, present in court, expressed their desire for the maximum sentence, with the eldest daughter Teairra Luckado remarking through tears, "We can't get my father back, but from this day forward we are able to move on just with peace and closure," as she told the court.
Willis offered an apology to Whitaker's family during the proceedings. "I would first of all like to apologize to Mr. Whitaker's friends and family for my actions that caused his death. I truly did not intend for this to happen," Willis stated, recalling the tragic events that unfolded at the apartment complex and led to the unnecessary loss of life, reported by ABC12.
