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Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Jerry Ryan Ashley, 44, of Detroit, in connection with the breaking and entering of the home of a deceased Grosse Pointe City resident, and the homes of three deceased Grosse Pointe Woods residents. The defendant targeted the homes by searching through the obituaries of the recently deceased.

January 18, 2024 - Grosse Pointe City Home in the 600 Block of Rivard Street

On January 18, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., it is alleged that Defendant Ashley broke into the home and stole multiple items before fleeing the scene.

Defendant Ashley has been charged with Breaking and Entering with Intent.*

He was arraigned on March 7, 2024, in Grosse Pointe City Municipal Court and given a $250,000 cash bond. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 21, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., before Judge David Draper.

February 8, 2024 - Grosse Pointe Woods Home in the 500 Block of North Brys Street

On February 8, 2024, at approximately 2:18 p.m., Grosse Pointe Woods police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of North Brys Street for a reported breaking and entering.

It is alleged that Defendant Ashley pretended to do yard work on the property. It is further alleged that the defendant broke into the home and stole multiple pieces of jewelry, before fleeing the scene.

Defendant Ashley has been charged with Breaking and Entering a Building with Intent.*

February 9, 2024 - Grosse Pointe Woods Home in the 500 Block of Coventry Lane

On February 9, 2024, at approximately 2:18 p.m., Grosse Pointe Woods police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Coventry Lane for a reported breaking and entering.

It is alleged that the defendant pretended to do yard work on the property. It is further alleged that the defendant broke into the home, before fleeing the scene.

Defendant Ashley has been charged with Breaking and Entering a Building with Intent.*

February 27, 2024 - Grosse Pointe Woods Home in the 2000 block of Anita Road

On February 27, 2024, at approximately 10:35 a.m., Grosse Pointe Woods police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2000 block of Anita Road for a reported breaking and entering.

It is alleged that the defendant pretended to do yard work on the property. It is further alleged that the defendant broke into the home, before fleeing the scene.

Defendant Ashley has been charged with Breaking and Entering a Building with Intent.*

Investigation by the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department led to the arrest of the defendant on February 27, 2024, by the Eastern Wayne County Special Response Team.

He was arraigned on all three Grosse Pointe Woods cases on March 1, 2024, in Grosse Pointe Woods Municipal Court, and given a $250,000 cash/surety bond. The Preliminary Examination was waived, and Defendant Ashley was bound over for Breaking and Entering with Intent by Judge Theodore Metry. His Arraignment on the Information is scheduled for March 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., before Judge Deborah Thomas.

"It is alleged that Defendant Ashley sought out homes of the deceased and broke in and took valuable items. He did this at a very sad and vulnerable time for most families. It's unfortunate, but we must be vigilant about this issue. Thanks to the great police work of the Grosse Pointe City and Grosse Pointe Woods Police Departments he has been arrested and charged," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

"Law enforcement is often a collaborative effort, and this is a perfect example of that. The detectives from Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe City were on top of this case and received additional support from detectives in Grosse Pointe Farms and the patrol divisions throughout the Grosse Pointes. These departments worked together to stop this thief," said Grosse Pointe City Police Chief John Alcorn.

"This was an extraordinary effort from our detectives working around the clock with assistance from other departments to bring this person to justice," said Grosse Pointe Woods Police Chief John Kosanke.

Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Grosse Pointe City Police Department or the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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