by ROYAL OAK, MI – A 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in Royal Oak last week, leaving a maintenance worker dead and the community in shock.
Charges Filed Against Apartment Tenant
The Royal Oak Police Department identified the suspect as Nathan Joshua-Olson Rockwell, who now faces multiple charges, including:
- One count of first-degree murder
- Three counts of felony firearm
- Two counts of felonious assault with a dangerous weapon
Rockwell was arraigned on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in 52-1 District Court, where a judge denied him bond. According to police, Rockwell has no prior criminal record.
Victim Identified as 65-Year-Old Maintenance Worker
The shooting took place around noon on Thursday, July 31, at the Devon Park Apartments on the 3800 block of Crooks Road. Officers arriving at the scene found Rockwell near the site of the incident. He was taken into custody without incident.
Approximately 100 feet away, police found the victim, Gregory Hill, 65, of Southfield, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts by paramedics, Hill died at the scene.
Hill was a maintenance worker at the apartment complex and was reportedly attempting to calm the situation when he was fatally shot.
Incident Stemmed from Argument With Another Tenant
Witnesses told investigators that Rockwell was involved in an argument with another tenant and returned to his vehicle to retrieve a firearm. While the other tenant fled, Rockwell allegedly turned his weapon on Hill, who was not involved in the dispute but was trying to de-escalate the situation.
Police Chief Condemns ‘Senseless’ Violence
“This was a senseless act of horrific violence,” said Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Thankfully, due to the swift actions of our officers, the suspect was apprehended quickly before he could harm anyone else.”
Next Court Appearance Scheduled
Rockwell is scheduled to return to court on Monday, August 11, 2025. The investigation remains ongoing.
