Autrell Westbrooks charged with murder in death of Ryan Pinkston

FLINT, MI -- After more than two years, the person police believe is responsible for the murder of

has been charged.

Autrell Dewann Westbrooks, 28 of Flint, was charged on Friday, August 2 in Pinkston's death. Those charges include open murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm.

In the early hours of July 11, 2011 the Flint Township Police were called to the 1100 block of Ballenger Highway at the Admiral gas station in reference to a fight. Moments later, around 1:30 a.m., gunfire was reported at the scene. When the officers arrived, they found Ryan Patrick Pinkston, 35 of Flint, with life threatening gunshot wounds. Pinkston was taken to McLaren Medical Center where just days later on July 19, 2011, he died.

Two years later, detectives from the Flint Township Police Department investigated a tip they received that led to the identifying Westbrooks as a suspect. On Wednesday, July 31, detectives from the GAIN auto theft unit arrested Westbrooks.

Westbrooks was also arraigned on the charges Friday in 67th District Court.

Amanda Emery is a police reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact her at aemery@mlive.com or 810-285-0792. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

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