Shooter Still at Large, Family Releases Balloons in Memory of Kharmako
(Crystal A. Proxmire, 1/26/2011)
When someone came into the Dollar Club Plus Store at 2750 Hilton on Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 and shot the owner to death, it wasn’t just some guy behind the counter that got killed. It was 64 year old Karim Khamarko, beloved father and grandfather, and respected Ferndale businessman.
Khamarko’s family gathered on the two-month anniversary of the shooting to give a 200+ balloon salute to the slain man, who often brought balloons from his store for the little ones in the family on visits. Friends and loyal customers from the surrounding neighborhood came out, along with a slew of reporters to spread awareness about the shooting, and to ask the public if there is any information out there.
“We’ve had several tips but nothings really led us anywhere,” said Ferndale Police Chief Timothy Collins. “I wish we could say we had more information, but we don’t. We’ve been working with state, local and federal agencies but so far nothing is tied together.”
“Robbery could have been the motive, but we’re looking at it from all angles,” Collins said.
Before sending over 200 green, blue and red balloons into the air with information about Khamarko tied to the ribbons, two of his daughters spoke in his honor.
“My dad was a wonderful man, loved by many,” said daughter Vivian. “We have people that come in on a daily basis to give their condolences or to say a prayer. He would want us to come together and put a stop to crimes like this.”
Dollar Club Plus re-opened shortly after the murder, complete with a security video camera system, which it did not have that fateful night two months ago. On Friday November 26, 2010 at about 9:00 p.m., Ferndale police received a 911 call from a woman who went to shop at the store and found the victim bleeding behind the counter near the cash register. Mr. Khamarko was alive when police arrived, but died later as a result of gunshot wounds.
The family and Ferndale Police are working with Crime Stoppers to offer a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. If you know of any information that might help solve this murder call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587), or the Ferndale Police Department at 248-546-2396.