Zachary Holston III Suspect in the Murder of Rita Evans

According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Zachary Holston III, aged 50, has been charged with second-degree murder and felony use of a handgun. The charges stem from an alleged incident on Friday where Holston is accused of killing Rita Evans in front of her husband and daughter.

A dispute between siblings arose regarding their soapmaking business, Kath Khemicals, located in suburban Detroit. The CEO of the company was identified as Holston, while Evans held the position of CFO.

According to reports, at approximately 9 a.m., Evans, her spouse, and their child reportedly confronted Holston in the parking lot before tailing him as he tried to enter his vehicle.

According to prosecutors, a verbal altercation regarding documentation found in Holston’s vehicle quickly turned into a physical altercation.

According to reports, Holston has been accused of pushing a young woman who was attempting to intervene between the siblings. According to reports, Holston and Evans reportedly drew their firearms and engaged in a gunfight, resulting in Evans being the only one injured.

According to a statement by Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, settling family business in this manner is not appropriate. According to the speaker, any disagreements between individuals should be resolved in a peaceful manner, either through legal means or through private negotiations, rather than resorting to violent or aggressive behavior in public spaces.

In a somber statement, the speaker expressed their sorrow over the loss of life, noting that such events are always tragic.

The speaker went on to add that it is particularly heartbreaking when such losses occur within the confines of a family. On Tuesday, Holston entered a plea of not guilty, claiming that he intervened in order to de-escalate the confrontation before the firearms were drawn.

According to prosecutors, the soapmaker discharged his firearm while Evans attempted to retrieve her concealed revolver from her purse in self-defense against her brother.

According to reports, a judge has set Holston’s bond at $500,000 cash surety only, citing a strong likelihood of conviction. Holston, if he posts bond, will be put under house arrest, undergo a mental health evaluation, and will be prohibited from contacting his sister’s family or engaging in any business dealings with them.