Suspect Arraigned in Slaying of Co-Worker at GM Orion Plant

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – Aug 13, 2022 – A 48-year-old man was arraigned on a charge of open murder today in connection with Thursday’s fatal assault of Pontiac resident Gregory Lanier Robertson at the General Motors assembly plant in Orion Township.

Astrit Gjon Bushi, a resident alien from Albania who was believed to be living out of his van and has no known permanent address, is being held without bond in the Oakland County Jail.

“As we pivot to holding the suspect accountable for the incredibly brutal murder he perpetrated, our prayers are with the families and co-workers that are affected,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Bushi is accused in the beating death of Robertson, 49, of Pontiac. The two men were employed by a cleaning service contracted by GM. They were working in a dock area of the plant at 455 Giddings Road in Orion Township when the incident occurred. They were not GM employees.

52-1 District Court Magistrate Karen Liddle set a probable cause conference for Aug. 23 before 52-3 District Judge Julie Nicholson and a preliminary examination date for Aug. 30. Bushi, through an interpreter, requested a court-appointed attorney.

Deputies were dispatched to the plant at 1:37 a.m. Thursday on the report of an injured person. When they arrived, they found Robertson unconscious and bleeding. Deputies and Orion Township Fire Department rescue personnel attempted various life-saving measures on Robertson but could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect was found standing in a dock area of the plant, not far from where Robertson’s body was found. He was arrested without incident.

August 13, 2022, Oakland County Sheriff and Rochester.Life staff