Man arraigned in death of his mother, assault of his brother

ST. CLAIR SHORES — A 46-year-old St. Clair Shores man who spent 22 years in jail for assault with intent to commit murder before his release in 2024 has been charged with killing his mother and trying to kill his brother.

Armando Streeter was arraigned in 40th District Court April 8 on charges of second-degree murder and assault with intent to murder. Both are felonies punishable by up to life in prison.

Detective Sgt. Brad Benac of the St. Clair Shores Police Department said that at 12:19 p.m. April 5, dispatch received a call from Armando Streeter’s brother, William Streeter, stating that his mother, Loretta Streeter, appeared deceased in the home she lived in with Armando Streeter near 11 Mile Road and Roy Street.

William Streeter does not live at the same residence.

Loretta Streeter appeared to have been beaten to death with a broomstick in a bedroom, Benac stated. William Streeter was on the phone with 911 when Armando Streeter allegedly hit him with an object on the head. William Streeter reportedly fell to the ground, at which time Armando Streeter hit him in the head with another object and tried to strangle him to kill him, Benac said.

Surveillance recordings from inside the residence recorded sounds of struggle, a woman’s voice pleading for help and more.

Armando Streeter was found with blood on his person upon his arrest.

According to Michigan Department of Corrections records, he was sent to prison for assault with intent to commit murder and a felony weapons charge in Wayne County in 2002 and was released in 2024. He was also charged with violence against his mother last year, according to police.

“So I am asking for a high bond or no bond,” Benac said.

During the arraignment, Armando Streeter remained silent during all questioning by Judge Joseph Craigen Oster, who presided over the case.

Armando Streeter did not request an attorney, and Oster strongly advised against him representing himself. At the end of the arraignment, Oster said he could not find any reason why someone facing two life felonies would represent himself.

A probable cause hearing was set for April 15, and a preliminary examination was set for April 29 in 40th District Court.

It was stated during the arraignment that Armando Streeter may have mental health issues.   

“Given the defendant’s lack of response and given the defendant’s possible mental health and that he does not have any attorney, I’m still going to refer the matter to the public defender’s office for appointment of an attorney,” Oster said. “I’m also going to refer (the case) to the forensic center, and that would be for competency.”

Assistant Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Fox, chief of the county’s Major Crimes Unit, said they would need to determine competency first and agreed that evaluation should proceed first.

Oster referred to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry for a mental health examination to determine whether Armando Streeter is competent to stand trial. That could delay the preliminary exam, although the tentative date was still set.

Oster did not set bond, stating Armando Streeter was an extreme risk to society and William Streeter.