Detroit Man Charged With Manslaughter After Fatal Gas Station Assault

Javonte Rayshawn Barber, 26, of Detroit, has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal assault at a gas station on East McNichols Road. The incident occurred after an argument with Samuel Spruill Jr., 44, of Troy, escalated and Barber punched Spruill, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in Spruill's death at a hospital. Barber was arraigned in 36th District Court and released on a $100,000 cash/surety bond with GPS tether and house arrest conditions. The Detroit Police Department investigated the case leading to Barber's prompt arrest, and upcoming court dates include a bond re-determination hearing and a probable cause conference. This case is part of a recent pattern of deadly assaults in Detroit involving fatal punches. Prosecutors have indicated that if convicted, Barber could face up to 15 years in prison.