Investigation reopened into 1974 murder of Donald Goines

A private investigator and a documentary team are reopening the case of author Donald Goines, who was murdered in 1974. Goines and his partner, Shirley Sailor, were found shot in their flat in Highland Park, Michigan. Their young children were home during the incident, but the case has remained unsolved for decades. Goines was a well-known author, with a significant following. He sold around 25 million books. His stories often explored crime and drugs, reflecting his own experiences with addiction and time in prison. Private investigator Bill Proctor believes Goines' writing may have led to his death. He stated that Goines hinted at finishing a book that could have angered some influential people. The documentary, being produced by Detroit Son, aims to shed light on Goines' life and death. Proctor is exploring various theories related to the case in the film. To encourage new leads, a $5,000 reward is being offered for any information about the murders. Anyone with details is encouraged to call 586-873-1371. The documentary is expected to be released in the spring of 2026.