Southfield man charged with murder in brother's shooting death; police point to jealousy
Breylon Roberts, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in the Oct. 19 shooting death of his brother, Trey Roberts, 23, on Dorset Avenue. Police say jealousy may have played a part. He pleaded not guilty and is held without bond.
By OCJ Staff
A 21-year-old Southfield man is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his older brother inside a home on Dorset Avenue, WDIV reported Friday night.
Breylon Roberts pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond, according to the station. His next court date is Nov. 5. WDIV did not name the court or the judge.
His brother, Trey Roberts, 23, was found dead on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 19, with multiple gunshot wounds. Police found him in the kitchen, WDIV reported.
What police say
The brothers' 17-year-old sister saw blood and what looked like bullet holes, and police were called, according to WDIV.
Investigators recovered shell casings at the home and later found a homemade gun in a vehicle belonging to Breylon Roberts, the station reported. Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said ballistic testing linked the gun to evidence from the scene.
Police believe jealousy over Trey Roberts' success at work and his standing with family and friends may have played a part, WDIV reported. Barren told the station the jealousy "pretty much stems from our suspect being jealous of his brother's success."
First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole in Michigan if a person is convicted.
A charge is an accusation, and Breylon Roberts is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Journal first reported the shooting Oct. 20, when police had not released either man's name. Police said then that the shooting happened in the 17000 block of Dorset Avenue and that there was no further threat to the public.
Anyone with information is asked to call Southfield police at 248-796-5500 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Sources: WDIV/ClickOnDetroit, "Southfield man accused of killing older brother over jealousy pleads not guilty to murder" (Oct. 23, 2026, 10:45 p.m.; updated 11:22 p.m.); earlier Journal coverage.