WARREN, Mich. — A 41-year-old man has been convicted of murdering a Hazel Park father who was gunned down in December 2024 during what authorities described as a senseless and random altercation.
Al Curtis Williams faces a guilty verdict for first-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm charges in connection with the death of 38-year-old Brandon Zaner. The verdict was reached after a jury heard evidence detailing the tragic circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Zaner, a father of two, had been working extra hours at Brayz Hamburgers to provide for his family during the holiday season. On December 21, he took a break and walked to a nearby gas station in Warren for a cup of coffee. It was there that he encountered Williams, leading to a brief argument.
Witnesses reported that, after the altercation, the two initially parted ways. However, Williams later confronted Zaner again, kicking off a physical struggle that culminated in Zaner being fatally shot. According to Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski, it appeared the two men were previously unknown to each other, which deepened the tragedy of the incident.
Authorities apprehended Williams a few hours later at a nearby hotel. The shooting has raised alarms about public safety in the area and the randomness of such violent incidents.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido expressed the broader implications of the verdict. He emphasized that the jury’s decision reflects a commitment to holding individuals accountable for acts of violence that devastate families. “This outcome sends a clear message that Macomb County will not tolerate such brutality and that those who commit these crimes will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
Williams is now awaiting sentencing, scheduled for March 21, and further legal ramifications may follow. The case not only highlights issues of gun violence but also underscores the emotional toll on communities grappling with the aftermath of such tragedies. Support is expected to be extended to Zaner’s family as they cope with their loss and seek to heal from this unexpected violence.