Sentencing scheduled for 1 brother in murder case
One of two brothers charged with killing a homeless U.S. Army veteran in Pontiac will be sentenced Thursday.
Steven Porter, 48, of Pontiac, pleaded no contest in August to second-degree murder for the slaying of Omar Harland, 52, who died two days after being attacked while in the vicin- ity of Baldwin Boulevard and Poplar Street in Pontiac on Sept. 2, 2020. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. before Judge Yasmine Poles of Oakland County Circuit Court. Porter’s brother, Sean Porter, 52, of Eastpointe, pleaded guilty to the same charge on Sept. 9. He’ll be sentenced by Poles on Oct. 14.
Harland was found lying in a field a few hours after being attacked. A female he had been with had also been assaulted, by a third party, and had her purse stolen.
Sean Porter drove by the scene while deputies were still there conducting an investigation and was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He later admitted to the assault, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The Porter brothers were subsequently charged with killing Harland, who died of blunt force trauma to the head, with complications.
The sheriff’s office said Steven Porter’s criminal history dates back to 1990 and includes charges for unarmed robbery, criminal sexual conduct, weapons violations, fleeing and obstruction police, and operating under the influence of liquor.
Sean Porter’s criminal history dates back to 1987 and includes charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, larceny, home invasion, operating under the influence of liquor and driving while license was suspended.