CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A Detroit man has been charged in the slaying of Clinton Township store owner Emil Salem. Albert McKinley, 30, is being held without bond for Salem’s murder. McKinley was arraigned Aug. 20 on felony murder and armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Salem, 50, the owner of Bernie’s Party Store in Clinton Township, was gunned down on March 26. 

The beloved store owner owned and operated the business for nearly 20 years. 

Salem’s death occurred nearly a year to the day after another Clinton Township party store owner, Basil Sulaka, was shot and killed during a robbery. Sulaka, 51, was killed March 28, 2014. Sulaka owned Clinton Township’s Moon Lite Party Store.

McKinley’s probable cause hearing is Sept. 2 and a preliminary exam is scheduled for Sept. 9, according to the court. McKinley is accused of being the getaway driver for Ujuan Burton, 31, of Oak Park who is accused of fatally shooting Salem during the holdup.