Executive Summary
- Three defendants convicted of felony murder in the death of Hassan Salame.
- One co-defendant acquitted of all charges following the 11-day trial.
- Victim was shot during a botched carjacking in Dearborn in September 2023.
- Sentencing scheduled for Jan. 30; convicted men face up to life in prison.
WAYNE COUNTY — A jury has convicted three individuals and acquitted a fourth in connection with the 2023 slaying of a Dearborn business owner following an attempted carjacking, concluding an 11-day trial in Wayne County.
Lindsay Thurmond, Dawanne Midgett, and Quentin Goston were found guilty of felony murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in the death of 29-year-old Hassan Salame. According to court records, the verdict was delivered on November 25 following proceedings that began on November 12. A fourth defendant, Devon Green, was acquitted of all charges, including felony murder and armed robbery.
The incident occurred on September 19, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m. outside the Xushi Ko restaurant on Ford Road. Police reports state that Salame, the owner of Lama’s Florist, and a female companion were walking to their vehicle when the defendants initiated an attempted carjacking. Salame was fatally shot during the confrontation, while the woman remained uninjured.
In addition to the primary charges, Midgett was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and four counts of felony firearm, while Thurmond was convicted of three counts of felony firearm. The three convicted men are scheduled for sentencing on January 30 and face up to life in prison.
Judicial Implications
The split verdict in this case highlights the rigorous evidentiary standards required in felony murder trials, particularly when differentiating the roles of multiple co-defendants. With sentencing scheduled for late January, the court will apply statutory guidelines that likely include life imprisonment given the felony murder conviction, reflecting the gravity of violent crimes involving business owners in the community. While verdicts have been rendered, the judicial process ensures defendants maintain rights through sentencing, and it is a fundamental principle that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
