Police: Troy hospital shooting suspect angry over funeral snub before attack on ex-friend
Detectives said an after-work disagreement between Paljusevic and the victim, who has not been named, culminated in the shooting.
"Officers arrived on scene and located a black Ford Escape in the parking deck with multiple bullet holes through the windshield. Several shell casings were found on the ground and a blood trail was observed, leading toward the hospital," Detective Carlo Pizzorni of Troy Police Department said.
Detectives interviewed the victim, who immediately identified Paljusevic as the shooter. Shortly after, Macomb County Sheriff's Deputies found Paljusevic at his home in Macomb.
Detectives working the case interviewed family members of the victim, who indicated Paljusevic was a friend, but had a "short fuse" and was often "possessive" over the victim.
Paljusevic, who worked at the Troy hospital for two years, allegedly became upset with the victim after he was not invited to a private funeral for the victim's father.
In Jan., when the victim's father died, detectives allege that Paljusevic became upset when he was not invited to a private, family-only funeral for the father. At the public funeral a few days later, detectives say Paljusevic whispered expletives to the father's body.
Soon after, Paljusevic Facetimed the victim and showed himself urinating on prayer cards taken from the public funeral ceremony, police said. The victim told detectives Paljusevic threatened him on the call, saying, "If I do see you outside in public, don't be surprised if something happens."
The family of the victim believes that this moment led to a halt in communication between the former friends, which may have been the cause of the shooting. Earlier this month, the victim allegedly confronted Paljusevic for urinating on the prayer cards. Detectives said Paljusevic told the victim, "You deserved that. You'll see."
Detectives said the victim felt Paljusevic was an unpredictable character.
"The victim described the defendant as Jekyll and Hyde — sometimes he'd be easygoing, sometimes he'd overreact," Pizzorni said. "The victim stated there was typically a cloud hanging over the defendant. There was always a fear of what he might do."
During the booking process, police say Paljusevic laughed. The Oakland County prosecutor's office will review his case.
Calling in from the Oakland County Jail, Paljusevic pleaded not guilty, requested a court-appointed attorney and stood mute for his arraignment.
Paljusevic stands charged with assault with intent to murder and two other felonies involving firearms.
Officers have yet to recover Paljusevic's cell phone and the weapon he allegedly used in the shooting.
Magistrate Cody Ellwanger, who presided over Paljusevic's arraignment, denied bond.
"The court is certainly troubled by the allegations," Ellwanger said. "I don't see a single condition the court would impose that could make Mr. Paljusevic any less of a danger to society."
Paljusevic's next hearing will take place on March 31 at 9 a.m. at 52-4 district court in Troy.
Contact Liam Rappleye: LRappleye@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Police: Troy hospital shooting suspect, victim had falling out
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