BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A suspect charged for the murder of a Battle Creek resident last year will likely spend decades behind bars.
Drequan Scott was sentenced in Calhoun County Court for the death of Howard Gillete, who was found dead in a a burned out home on January 1st, 2019.
Scott has plead guilty to second-degree homicide in connection to the 58-year-old’s death. He previously pleaded guilty to a felony firearms charge and has served 440 days of a two year sentence for that offense.
Battle Creek authorities discovered Gillette’s body while responding to a house fire at 250 Graves Avenue early on New Years Day. The man’s body was found riddled with gunshots inside the residence by firefighters at the scene.
Investigators say they believe Gillette was shot sometime before the fire was set on either December 30th or 31st.
During a drunk driving stop officers arrested Scott the night before the fire was set. Evidence including a blood soaked sweatshirt and gun in his possession were later linked by detectives to the homicide.
Scott was released on bond but later became a person of interest in the case. He was charged with open murder on January 2nd and lodged in the Calhoun County Jail.
The Battle Creek Police Department has previously said there investigation indicated Scott set the fire to cover up the murder. During interrogation the defendant admitted that he had shot Gillette, though in only in retaliation for unwanted sexual advances.
Dequan Scott was sentenced for second-degree homicide on March 16th, 2020 and will serve a maximum prison sentence of up to 80 years.
