SALINE, MICHIGAN: An alleged murderer who took the life of his ex apparently claimed not to be sorry for the crime. Barry Garza allegedly gunned Amber Jo Thomas down on Thursday, August 3, in the Linden Square Assisted Living Center's parking lot in Saline, at around 11:30 in the morning. The incident reportedly happened a week after a personal protection order was granted against the man after the victim appealed for it.
While allegedly killing Thomas, the 58-year-old man also harmed an acquaintance of hers. But the 67-year-old reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The Daily Mail reported that the 40-year-old mother-of-one was rushed to the University of Michigan Hospital but she could not be saved. The J Gilbert Purse Funeral Home obituary shared, "Amber was a graduate of Tecumseh High School, Class of 2001. She loved gardening, planting flowers, and her dogs (fur babies)."
"Amber also enjoyed being on the lake, going camping, and sitting around a bonfire with her family & friends. She was currently working at Linden Square Assisted Living in Saline, MI, and was dearly loved by all the residents," it added.
Who is Barry Garza?
Garza is a murder suspect, who claimed the life of Thomas. He has been pressed with one count of open murder, one count of assault with intent to murder, and one count of felony firearm charges but he pled not guilty to all on Saturday, August 5.
During the court hearing, prosecutor Jessica Blanch accused the man of showing “up to her work, shot her in the neck, and then shot a male victim who was near her." She continued, "He got in his car and fled from the scene and the police. He purposefully crashed his car into another vehicle, which ended the flee. He made terrible statements on the scene, which showed his intent, like 'I'm not sorry I killed that f***ing b****.”
‘We will do everything in our power to get justice for you’
The prosecutor also asserted that Garza’s “an absolute threat to this community” and a “flight risk” while Saline Police Department reportedly shared, “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of all victims involved in this unnecessary tragedy. Amber Jo Thomas, you will be remembered and we will do everything in our power to get justice for you and your family.”
Besides, Amber Nicole, a person known to the late victim, took to Facebook to share, “This is Amber Jo Thomas(pictured with her son Mason) who was killed by her former boyfriend on August 3rd. This could be any of our relatives. She was a mom, a daughter, an aunt, and a friend. Her mom Kathy’s wish right now is to have the funeral home filled to the brim with sunflowers which Amber loved so much! We all find comfort in our own way and this is what’s comforting her now.”
“Please if you’re able consider helping make this happen by sending or dropping sunflowers off at Purse. The arrangement information is below. Kathy wants to give her beautiful daughter a send-off to heaven in the way she would’ve loved. Thank you all!” Nicole mentioned.
Thomas’ sister-in-law Kim posted, “This is my husband's twin sister. She was failed by law enforcement Lenawee county, Adrian police department, Michigan State and Saline police departments.” Soraya Baez added, “Please Keep my Brother’s gf in your prayers and the rest of the Thomas family! 🕊️💜”
