Shores Man Charged With Murder

A 62-year-old St. Clair Shores man was charged Tuesday with murder for the fatal shooting this weekend on Recreation Street, where he and the victim were allegedly renovating a house.

Viktor Shaholli appeared before Judge Joseph Oster in shackles and spoke through an Albanian interpreter as he was charged in the murder of Dashamir Matjani.

Police allege Shaholli shot Matjani following a "domestic issue" between the two "loosely" related individuals shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday. Detective Sgt. David Centala  would not elaborate on why Shaholli shot the 29-year-old victim with a shotgun in the side of his chest.

"It is an ongoing investigation," Centela said. "There are more interviews that need to be conducted."

Oster arraigned Shaholli, a native of Albania who holds a green card, on first-degree murder and felony firearm charges. He is being held without bond in Macomb County Jail, and is not to have any contact with the victim's family. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

The proceedings moved slowly as an interpreter translated the exchanges between court personnel. Additionally, defense attorney Timothy Barkovic said his client has no idea or recollection of the "facts and circumstances of this case."

"It appears he may not be competent," Barkovic said after a discussion with the defendant's family and imam.

Oster also approved a request from Barkovic for his client to undergo a forensic psychiatric exam regarding competency and criminal responsibility.

When Oster asked Shaholli directly if he understands that was being charged with killing a person, he responded through the translator, "No, I don't know nothing."

Additionally, Barkovic argued his client's innocence in the case.

"There were no witnesses to what actually occurred and my client has made no statement," said Barkovic. "So there is nothing connecting my client to this particular crime."

While not going into exact details about the crime, Centela said Shaholli was arrested in the lot of the St. Clair Shores police department after an officer spotted a vehicle matching the description of a "person of interest."

Shaholli was taken into custody without incident.

Police also recovered the shotgun allegedly used in the shooting.

Shaholli is expected to return to court for a preliminary exam in four to six weeks.