Arrest Was Made in Elderly Southfield Woman's Murder, But No Charges Yet

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- 81-year-old Helen Gale was the victim of an unthinkable crime. It happened November 26th at her home in Southfield.

"We believe there's a struggle, an assault that took place in her home. She was then placed in the back seat of her car, driven to Highland Park and the car was left in an alley and set on fire with her in the vehicle," said Southfield Police Lieutenant Nick Loussia.

Now we've learned police arrested a man on January 16th, but he has yet to be charged.

"He's a 45-year-old resident of Southfield. He is an acquaintance of the victim, and we really don't want to release additional information at this time," Loussia said.

The suspect was held in Southfield back in January, but because he wasn't charged within 72 hours, he was turned over to Wayne County where he had a probation violation. We now understand he's been released, but police say they believe that's their guy and they're anxious to make another arrest.

A warrant has been submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, but a decision has not yet been made pending the results of forensic testing. Police think someone may have helped him afterward without even knowing what he had just done.

"Either by giving him a ride somewhere or him going to a friend's house and saying, hey, can I stay here for a little bit. Maybe he called a cab from that area," Loussia explained.

Southfield Police asking that person to come forward.

"She was a city of Southfield employee for over 30 years. Everyone in the city thought of her as mom. Very lively person, enjoyed life, and everybody just loved her," Loussia said.

There is a reward of $2,500 from Crime Stoppers. If you have any information, call 1-800-SPEAK-UP.