Detroit Couple Shoveled Snow in Exchange for Crack, Then One of Them is Killed in Basement

A Detroit couple shoveled snow for a man and was paid in crack cocaine. After shoveling the snow, the man and the woman were invited into the home of Antoine Jamal Powers-McClain, to do more work. According to Detroit police, the man was killed and chained to a dog cage in the basement by Powers-McClain.

Police are still searching for Powers-McClain in connection to the incident, which took place around 6 p.m. Sunday (Feb.13) in the 9100 block of Stout Street on Detroit’s west side.

According to authorities, the woman told police that Powers-McClain asked her and the other man to shovel his snow. Once they were finished, they were given crack cocaine by Powers-McClain and directed to go into the basement.

“He lured them into his home by asking them to do some work for him at his house,” Detroit police Chief James White said. “Once inside, he held them both there.”

Powers-McClain then threatened the two with a rifle; the woman told police. Acting on his threat, he struck the man, in his 50s, in the head with the gun causing the victim to die, said officials.

“He apparently got into some form of confrontation with one of the victims, and that victim was beaten — appears to have been beaten to death,” White said.

According to police, Powers-McClain then put a chain around the man’s neck and chained him to a dog cage.

“He was actually disrobed and in a cage in the basement of the home,” White said.

Powers-McClain then assaulted the woman with the rifle, she claimed. The female victim said if she told anyone what happened, he threatened to kill her.

The woman was driven to an apartment building in 9600 Greenfield Road by Powers-McClain, authorities said. The woman said she escaped and found help when the car stopped.

White said the woman has “severe injuries.”

Powers-McClainis was described by police as 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has an average build and shoulder-length black hair, they said.

Powers-McClain might try to change his appearance, said Detroit police. He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the chief.

“He has a very violent history,” White said. “He’s somebody we need to get off the street very quickly. He’s not somebody to be taken lightly.”

White described the rifle as a “long gun.” It was recovered by the police.

Anyone with information on Powers-McClain, or this case, is asked to call the Detroit Police Department’s Homicide section at 313-596-2250 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP to remain anonymous.