The Hazelwood massacre and its immediate aftermath left Detroit investigators with a cluster of killings and few clear answers. On June 14, 1971, police found eight people shot to death in an apartment on Hazelwood Street. One of those victims was identified as a known heroin dealer and pimp and was considered the likely primary target; police believed the other victims had been killed so there would be no witnesses. Investigators thought a drug deal that went bad — possibly involving dealers from Toronto who alleged they had been cheated — provided the motive.

Four days later, William Williams, an African-American man, was found shot multiple times at a west side Detroit motel. Authorities suspected his slaying was connected to the Hazelwood killings. Police theorized Williams had informed the killers of the primary target’s whereabouts and may even have been present at the apartment; his death was seen as a deliberate effort to silence a potential witness and tie up loose ends.

Many details remain unresolved about who carried out the killings and why. Does anyone have information about William Williams, his movements in June 1971, or contacts who might shed light on the Hazelwood case?