Police Release Enhanced Photos of Suspects in Fatal Party Shop Robbery

Clinton Township Police have released enhanced surveillance photos of suspects who robbed and fatally shot a party store owner two weeks ago and are asking the public’s help in identifying them.

Basim “Basil” Sulaka, 51, of Sterling Heights, owner of the Moon Lite Party Store, 33452 Harper, was shot to death in a robbery about 11 p.m. on March 28.

A husband and father, he had owned the store for about 18 years. A four-day fundraiser will be held Thursday-Sunday at the Detroit Pub on Harper and 14 Mile Road, across the street from Sulaka’s party store. Admission is $5, with all proceeds going to the Sulaka family.

Among those planning to attend the fundraiser is “X-Factor” runner up Jeff Gutt, the Daily Tribune reported. Gutt won’t be performing and he didn’t know Sulaka by name, but said the shopkeeper always treated him with “kindness and respect” when he shopped there.

“It’s just very heartbreaking and angers me to know that pathetic, cowardly people can cause so much pain for the rest of us,” Gutt said in a Facebook message on Sunday. “Such a completely unnecessary tragedy. My prayers go out to his family and the entire community.”

The suspects in the crime that ended Sulaka’s life are described as black men who were wearing dark clothing and ski masks that concealed most of their faces. Police think they may have be part of a gang that has robbed cellular stores and markets in the tri-county area, the Macomb Daily said.

If you have information, call the Clinton Township Police Department at (586) 493-7802 during the weekend, Detective Brian Gilbert at (586) 493-7845 on weekdays, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 773-2587. A reward of more than $20,000 has been offered in the case.