Accused Landlord Killer Freddy Young Can't Spend Lotto Money

DETROIT (WJBK) - Greg McNicol was killed outside an apartment building he had recently purchased. The Australian native had no ties to the city, but thought of investing in the property as a labor of love. In turn, his affection spread to the city.

His widow spoke with FOX 2 on the phone from California.

"He was very happy about it and surprised of how fast that the city is doing what it's doing to recover," said Katie Scartezini.

A recovery he was proud to have a part in at a building on Canfield and Beniteau where he was running the complex.

62-year-old Freddy Young, despite winning the lottery in February, is accused of shooting and killing McNicol on May 7 as his daughter and granddaughter argued about rent.

McNicol was doing what he loved to do, managing the building. It wasn't a job. It was his way of helping rebuild Detroit.

"When he believed in something, he never (did) anything halfway through. He believed in Detroit. He believed in the properties he bought there. He saw the potential. He wanted to do the right thing," Scartezini said.

As she continues to mourn the loss of her husband, a lawyer that she has hired is making sure that the suspect, who is currently in jail, doesn't try to spend any of the lottery winnings that he got back in February.

"That means that Mr. Young can't spend the money. He can't give it away, can't transfer it. That under this court order, the status quo is maintained," said attorney David Christensen, who represents Scartezini.

Young won $1.4-million from that lotto.

Scartezini is now in charge of taking care of the building, completing her husband's dream. She will be back to Detroit to do that work the way he would have done it, with integrity.

"My husband was a hard working, the most honest and straight forward guy I ever met," she said.

"I love this city as we all do, and it's a sadness that just isn't going to go away for quite awhile, I'm afraid," Christensen said.

Christensen does have another appointment in court on June 28. That's to make sure that this temporary restraining order to ensure Young doesn't spend his money becomes permanent.

In the meantime, Young's trial is set for January of 2012.