Man Charged in 2025 Detroit Double Homicide on Desoto Street

Published on January 30, 2026

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Muhammad Mastakella Murphy, 35, who is unhoused, in connection with the homicides of Dwayne Pinkston, 60, and Barbara Jackson, 68, both of Detroit. The defendant and the victims were acquainted with each other.

On March 11, 2025, at approximately 5:26 p.m., Detroit police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 8700 block of Desoto Street for a reported dead person observed. Upon their arrival, officers located Mr. Pinkston in the basement of the home, suffering from trauma to his neck and Ms. Jackson, also in the basement of the home, stuffed inside of a plastic container and submerged in an unknown liquid. Medics arrived on the scene and pronounced both victims deceased. The Wayne County Medical Examiner determined the deaths to be the result of blunt force trauma.

On March 11,2025, it is alleged that Defendant Murphy struck Mr. Pinkston multiple times with a hammer and a crowbar, and struck Ms. Jackson multiple times with a crowbar, fatally injuring both victims.  After the crime he fled from the scene. On January 27, 2026, Defendant Murphy was identified and arrested by the Ypsilanti Police Department in connection with the homicides and turned over to the Detroit Police Department. More complete facts and evidence will be placed on the record in court at the preliminary examination.

Muhammad Murphy has been charged with two counts of First-Degree Premeditated Murder.*

He was arraigned and remanded to jail this afternoon in 36th District Court. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for February 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 8:45 a.m., before Judge Shawn Jacque.

Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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