DETROIT — On Tuesday, a Wayne County jury convicted three men on all charges in the September 2023 killing of Hassan Salame, a 29-year-old Arab American business owner from Dearborn, who was fatally shot during a robbery outside Xushi Ko restaurant in East Dearborn.

The incident occurred late on Sept. 19, 2023, shortly after Salame had dinner with his fiancée and sister. Prosecutors said the victim was ambushed just steps from the restaurant entrance, where he was shot and robbed of his Rolex watch, keys and necklace before the assailants fled.

Salame — owner of a flower shop in Dearborn — was rushed to Corewell Health Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

(left to right) Lindsay Thurmond, 29, of Detroit, Quenton Goston, 31, of Melvindale and Devon Travon Green, 27, of Detroit were found guilty in the murder of Hassan Salame of Dearborn. – File photos

A targeted robbery that turned deadly

After an intensive investigation that authorities described as “a case of random violence that escalated”, Dearborn Police identified and arrested the suspects:

• Devon Travon Green, 27, of Detroit

• Lindsay Thurmond, 29, of Detroit

• Quenton Goston, 31, of Melvindale

All three were charged with:

• First-degree murder

• Armed robbery

• Conspiracy to commit armed robbery

• Felony firearm violations

• Multiple counts related to committing a felony while armed

• Possession of a firearm by individuals with previous felony convictions

On Tuesday, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all counts for all three defendants.

Sentencing could mean life behind bars

The three men are scheduled to be sentenced on January 23 before a Wayne County Circuit Court judge. Based on the charges, each faces the possibility of spending the rest of their lives in prison.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy previously described the crime as a “senseless act driven by greed”, adding that the community deserved justice for the loss of a young man known for his kindness and entrepreneurial drive.

A tragedy that shook Dearborn

Salame’s murder sparked outrage and fear in the Arab American community in Dearborn, where he was widely known and respected. His family, friends and customers held multiple vigils and tributes in the weeks following the shooting, demanding accountability and calling for safer streets.

Community members who attended the trial expressed relief at the verdict but emphasized that the emotional scars will remain.

“Hassan was full of life and promise,” a relative said after the verdict. “Nothing can bring him back, but at least we now have justice.”