Dearborn — Dearborn police played a critical role in the investigation of Mohammed El-Astal, 69, of Dearborn, who was sentenced to 11-15 years in prison on March 12 for his part in the killing of his son-in-law, Walid Alyoussef. 

El-Astal, originally charged with first degree murder, felony firearm, and disinterment and mutilation of a dead body, pled guilty to manslaughter and felony firearm after agreeing to a plea deal with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office on February 25, 2008.

El-Astal was arrested in January, 2007, after Dearborn police received a tip from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

The Dearborn Police Surveillance Unit watched El-Astal attempt to dispose of firearms and human remains in garbage dumpsters in the City of Detroit. 

After being arrested, El-Astal admitted to Dearborn detectives that he killed Walid Alyoussef. 

The March 12 sentencing was issued by Judge Craig Strong in the Third Circuit Court.