On June 12, 1983, Tony L. Thames, a 25-year-old Michigan State Trooper, was killed outside the Balmar Motel in Detroit during an armed confrontation while off duty. At about 2:30 a.m. Thames and a companion were confronted by two men; one produced a handgun and Thames drew his department-issued revolver. A struggle followed and Thames was shot in the leg and chest. His companion tried to run but was stopped by the second attacker, who stole her purse. The assailants fled to a waiting car driven by a third person.

Despite his wounds Thames managed to rise and fire one shot, striking an attacker in the arm. He was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital and died at 3:50 a.m. Witnesses led police to the suspect vehicle and three people were arrested at about 4:05 a.m. that morning. Thames’s companion later identified the two attackers in a lineup; felony warrants for murder and armed robbery were issued, and the person who shot Thames was later convicted of first-degree murder.

Who knew Tony Thames or was in the area of the Balmar Motel that night and can add details about what happened?