A late-night clash at an east-side Detroit gas station that left one man dead has ended in a guilty plea. Today, Javonte Rayshawn Barber admitted to manslaughter for a single punch thrown last June, closing the case before it ever reached a jury. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.
What investigators say happened
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Barber and the victim, 44-year-old Samuel Spruill Jr. of Troy, got into an argument just after 3 a.m. on June 27, 2025, at a gas station in the 11600 block of E. McNichols Road. Prosecutors say Barber threw a punch that knocked Spruill to the ground, where he hit his head on the pavement. Spruill was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The prosecutor's charging notice and court records provided the backbone of the case.
Plea and next steps in court
Barber, listed as 27 years old in recent court filings, entered his guilty plea to manslaughter today, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Coverage indicates the deal resolves the case without a trial, with prosecutors relying on the police investigation and court records. A sentencing date was not provided in those reports, so for now, the clock is ticking without a firm finish line.
How the case unfolded
The case first appeared on prosecutors' radar in late June 2025 and was formally charged in July 2025. Barber was arrested shortly after the assault and arraigned in the 36th District Court. Court filings at the time stated that bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety, with GPS tethering and house arrest as conditions, according to CBS Detroit. Prosecutors said the Detroit Police Department led the investigation that resulted in Barber's arrest and the manslaughter charge.
Legal implications
By pleading guilty to manslaughter, Barber now faces the penalties that come with a felony manslaughter conviction in Michigan. The crime is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under the state's manslaughter statute, as outlined in the Michigan Courts benchbook. Michigan Courts notes the statutory maximum under MCL 750.321, with the exact sentence to be set by a judge at a later hearing.
Hoodline first reported on the original charging last summer; see our earlier breakdown of the case for additional background. This story will be updated if the court schedules a sentencing date or releases more records.
