By: Gena Johnson | Warren Weekly | Published August 31, 2023
WARREN — Two suspects were arraigned in the 37th District Court on Aug. 25 for their alleged roles in the death of James Wilkins and the disposal of his body.
Wilkins, 27, of Warren, described as a “loving” father and football coach, was reported missing in June.
Donald Renfroe, 27, of Detroit, was charged with first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence upon conviction. He was also charged with tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual and a felony weapons offense.
Darius Glenn, 28, of Detroit, an alleged accomplice, was charged with tampering with evidence and with being an accessory after the fact. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
According to a Warren Police Department press release, worried family members and friends reported Wilkins missing on June 9 under suspicious circumstances in which investigators immediately suspected foul play. Renfroe, Wilkins’ roommate, was initially described by police as a person of interest. As detectives continued their investigation, a search warrant was executed at an apartment Wilkins and Renfroe shared in Warren.
Inside the apartment, police reportedly found a newly patched bullet hole in the wall, along with suspected blood. Police said additional evidence revealed Renfroe rented cleaning equipment and purchased cleaning supplies at a local hardware store on the day of Wilkins’ disappearance. Detectives also located and seized handguns associated with Renfroe.
The investigation revealed Renfroe went to Ohio where he was arrested on unrelated charges and extradited back to Michigan, police reported.
“After a detailed investigation, investigators were able to obtain a homicide charge against the main suspect and other charges against his accomplice,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer. “The amount of evidence in this case is very significant against both suspects. Even so, investigators are continuing to follow up on leads pertaining to the location of Mr. Wilkins’ body.”
Warren police said the case marks the city’s first reported homicide of 2023.
Both Renfroe and Glenn pleaded not guilty. Police said the suspects have no prior criminal history. Visiting Judge Dennis LeDuc denied bond for Renfroe and set Glenn’s bond at $1 million cash or surety with a GPS tether required if bond is posted.
According to police, the case is still an active and ongoing investigation and detectives are continuing to work leads.
Renfroe’s attorney, Noel George Erinjeri, declined to comment on the case.
According to 37th District Court records, Glenn has not yet been assigned a public defender.
Both Renfroe and Glenn remained in the Macomb County Jail at press time ahead of a probable cause conference scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Sept. 7 before Judge Steven Bieda in the 37th District Court.