Three teenagers are accused of murdering an Oakland County deputy

Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of an Oakland County sheriff’s deputy.

In June 2024, Oakland County Deputy Bradley Reckling was working undercover to break up a serious car theft ring when he saw and followed a stolen car in Detroit.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy said 18-year-old Raymond Debose fired from that car, killing Reckling. Also inside that car were 18-year-old Marquise Goins and 18-year-old Kareem Moore.

In Wednesday’s announcement, Oakland County and Detroit leaders acknowledge the arrests won’t bring Reckling back, but they are a step toward closure.

Worthy said the car theft ring he worked on was large, so the case is being charged as ongoing criminal activity.

See the full version of the press conference at the end of the article.

Details

Deputy Bradley Reckling was working in the auto theft unit and following a stolen car in Detroit on June 22 when the suspects opened fire, striking him several times and killing him.

Reckling was among three deputies from the auto theft unit who were looking for a stolen 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was stolen between 1:00 PM and 5:15 PM from Red Oaks Water Park in Oakland County on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Reckling was in an unmarked vehicle when he found and began following the stolen vehicle, meaning dash cam footage was not available. A preliminary investigation shows that the car stopped suddenly, the people inside the stolen car got out and opened fire on Deputy Reckling. He received numerous blows, including in the head and torso.

“The car stopped suddenly. People got out of that stolen car and opened fire on our deputy. It was an ambush. This obviously triggered a whole bunch of things. The deputy was hit in the head, chest, and torso. At 10:50 p.m., an officer was called. Apparently the Detroit Police and the Michigan State Police flooded the area very quickly; I would like to thank and praise them for this,” Bouchard said at a press conference on June 23, 2024.

The call came in at 10:50 p.m. Detroit Police and Michigan State Police responded to the scene and set up a perimeter. Three people were detained in this perimeter.

Accusation

Debose was accused of the following:

• Killing a police officer carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole or a minimum penalty of 25 to 40 years and a maximum penalty of 60 years.

• Receiving or concealing stolen property (vehicle) carries a maximum penalty of five years

• Four counts of carrying a concealed weapon carry a maximum penalty of five years

• The three firearms charges carry a maximum sentence of two years, to be served consecutively

• Theft of a car carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment

• Criminal activity carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison

Goins was charged with the following:

• Involvement in a crime after the fact is a maximum penalty of five years

• Receiving or concealing stolen property (vehicle) carries a maximum penalty of five years

• Four counts of carrying a concealed weapon carry a maximum penalty of five years

• The three firearms charges carry a maximum sentence of two years, to be served consecutively

• Theft of a car carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment

• Criminal activity carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison

Moore was accused of the following:

• Involvement in a crime after the fact is a maximum penalty of five years

• Receiving or concealing stolen property (vehicle) carries a maximum penalty of five years

• Four counts of carrying a concealed weapon carry a maximum penalty of five years

• Two counts of possession of a firearm carry a maximum sentence of two years, to be served consecutively

• Theft of a car carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment

• Criminal activity carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison

All three are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning in 36th District Court.

The prosecutor’s office, the chief of police, the sheriff are responding to the charges

“When we started working on this case, we had no idea that it would lead to what it would lead to. Deputy Reking, who thought he was simply recovering a stolen car, was actually involved in what turned out to be a violent and far-reaching carjacking crime spree.”

Prosecutor Kim Varty

“On behalf of the Detroit Police Department, I thank you, Prosecutor Worthy, and your staff for your thorough and professional handling of this difficult case.

Thank you Detroit homicide detectives and the Michigan State Police for your tireless pursuit of justice for Deputy Reckling and his family. Our deepest condolences to the Reckling family and our law enforcement colleagues, brothers and sisters at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. We hope that today’s announcement will be of some help in your grief and healing process.”

Detroit Police Chief James White

“Deputy Reckling’s killing was devastating to the entire community, especially law enforcement, and especially his family. Today is important because it is the first step towards justice.”

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald

“Prosecuting those responsible for the senseless killing of Deputy Brad Reckling is one of our highest priorities.

We appreciate all the work done by the Detroit Police Department and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office and hope that those responsible will receive the harshest punishment. While this will never fill the void of a husband, father, son, brother and friend to so many, it will at least provide a modicum of justice.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard

We remember MP Bradley Reckling

According to Bouchard, Reckling has a pregnant wife, a 1-year-old child, a 4-year-old child and a 5-year-old child.

His family wanted the public to hear from people who worked with Reckling and knew who he was and what he was like. Reckling worked at the Rochester Hills substation and recently transferred to the auto theft division.

During a press conference in June, Bouchard read the following statements from Reckling’s colleagues:

Rochester Hills Substation Supervisor: “Detective Brad Reckling was one of the best deputies and detectives I have ever worked with. He was one of the hardest working police officers I knew. He will be greatly missed by me and many others. He personally touched many with his larger-than-life personality. Brad was on patrol in Rochester Hills before he joined our detective bureau, and there was a bank robbery that some thought was unsolved. Brad researched the vehicle for hours and eventually found it for sale on the Facebook marketplace and ended up cracking the case. And that was just one example of Brad’s work ethic.”

Deputy Mykola Bohun: “Brad was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved his family above all else. He was a great police officer, but an even better friend, father and husband.”

Deputy Nathan Rogers: Brad and I grew up together in this department. From working in a prison to training for a promotion to standing and graduating from the academy together. Brad was one of the most dedicated colleagues and one of the most devoted husbands to Jackie I have ever seen and the best father to his girls. There is no other way to describe him other than simply the best person.

Deputy Matthew Morrison: Brad was a loving husband, father and wonderful friend. He loved nature. He was an amazing fisherman, he loved to hunt, he loved to develop his farm and raise animals. Brad spent months remodeling his home, creating the ultimate place for his wife and three girls to call home. Anyone who knew Brad knows that it doesn’t take long for him to crack a joke and make him laugh. He was a great worker and a great friend who would do anything for anyone. He was a shining example of what it means to be a great father, husband and friend and is loved by many and will be truly missed.

Bouchard said anyone who wants to support Reckling’s family now can contribute Mission Oakland Charity. He said 100% of the donation will go to the family without any fees or deductions. People who want to donate should indicate in the note that the money is intended for MP Reckling.