GRAND RAPIDS authorities have confirmed that a man charged in the city’s final homicide case of 2023 has been convicted on multiple counts, resulting in a mandatory life sentence.
Dominike Sterling was found guilty on Thursday for the fatal shooting of Darryl Yaber, which occurred on November 6, 2023, along Horton Avenue. The incident took place just hours after two bodies were discovered on the streets of the same Grand Rapids neighborhood, adding to concerns in the community at the time.
Sterling, age 34, was identified as one of five individuals — including his brother, Samuel Sterling — believed to have been involved in carrying out the shooting. Investigators stated that Dominike Sterling was the individual who fired the weapon during the incident. He faced charges including First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Sterling was also charged as a habitual offender, which enhanced the potential penalties for any non-life sentence convictions. Records show he previously served prison time and was on parole for a 2017 armed robbery at the time of the shooting.
Another suspect, Tyriq Bettison, has also been charged in connection with the case. He faces counts of First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder. According to investigators, Bettison was riding with Yaber before the shooting and was allegedly providing updates on their location to the Sterling brothers. Bettison’s trial is scheduled to begin in January.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom noted that Samuel Sterling, Dominike’s brother, would have been charged as well, but the 25-year-old died before formal charges were announced. He was fatally shot after running from a U.S. Marshals task force.
Samuel Sterling’s death led to charges against Michigan State Police Sergeant Brian Keely. That case was later moved to federal court, where it was dismissed due to an immunity clause in the U.S. Constitution.
Dominike Sterling is scheduled to be sentenced on February 26, 2026.
