A 53-year-old Grand Rapids landlord was killed by his 33-year-old tenant Monday morning in a dispute over an eviction, authorities said. The incident has left neighbors shocked and police investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation.

Vincenzo Palmeri was struck multiple times in the head with a baseball bat by Najee Hakeem Franklin, a tenant living in a home on Palmer Street near Coit Avenue, according to court documents and law enforcement officials.

The attack happened on Monday, March 9, and Palmeri died at the scene despite officers attempting life-saving measures, Grand Rapids Police Department officials reported. The Kent County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide on Wednesday.

"I commend our officers for their actions," said Interim Chief Joe Trigg. "Some immediately rendered aid to Mr. Palmeri while others secured the suspect and worked to keep neighbors out of harm's way. This is a tragic situation for all involved."

According to probable cause documents, Franklin had been evicted from the property Palmeri owned. When Franklin arrived at the home, his key did not work, so he entered through a back window, court documents stated.

Franklin then began arguing with another person renting a room at the home. The roommate called Palmeri, who showed up carrying a black baseball bat and tried to enter the back door but was unable to do so. Palmeri went around to the front porch, where Franklin opened the door and tackled Palmeri into the front yard.

Franklin allegedly punched Palmeri in the face repeatedly, then wrestled away the bat and hit Palmeri on the right side of the head. Police said Franklin then chased and struck the roommate on the back with the baseball bat.

A surveillance camera from a neighboring home captured the altercation on video.

Franklin remained at the home and was taken into custody when officers arrived. He later admitted to investigators that he hit Palmeri in the head with the bat, according to probable cause documents.

On Wednesday, March 11, Najee Franklin was arraigned and charged with open murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was denied bond.

Palmeri's friend Frederick Spring said the traumatic killing of his friend hasn't fully sunk in.

"He'd look out for you," Spring said. "He'd pay for dinners. He would take you in. He would do anything for you."

Spring, who spoke with FOX 17, described Palmeri's kindness and generosity to those around him.

Franklin faces life in prison if convicted on the murder charge.

Timeline

• Monday, March 9 — Fatal assault occurs at home on Palmer Street
• Monday, March 9 — Franklin taken into custody
• Wednesday, March 11 — Franklin arraigned on open murder and assault with a dangerous weapon charges; denied bond
• Wednesday — Kent County Medical Examiner rules death a homicide

Related Coverage

• FOX 17: Victim in deadly Grand Rapids assault identified, suspect charged with murder
• WZZM 13: Grand Rapids man accused of killing landlord with a baseball bat over eviction
• mlive.com: Grand Rapids house tenant accused of fatally striking landlord with bat
• WOOD-TV: Grand Rapids man charged with murder in beating death of landlord