Milford, Michigan — A 29-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a local resident following a violent incident that left the victim dead. Authorities identified the deceased as 26-year-old Peyton Bilbia, who was discovered at his home on Wednesday with severe injuries indicative of a traumatic attack.
Matthew Frank Molinaro, from Sterling Heights, faces a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. He was formally arraigned in Oakland County on Sunday, where the judge denied him bail, resulting in his immediate detention.
The investigation began when Bilbia’s girlfriend contacted the authorities after losing communication with him for an extended period. Police responded to the call around 4:25 p.m. and upon arrival at Bilbia’s residence on East Summit Street, they found him deceased.
Detectives quickly zeroed in on Molinaro as a suspect, gathering evidence that linked him to the crime. He was apprehended later on Wednesday at a club in Royal Oak, Michigan. Milford Police Chief Scott Tarasiewicz noted that Molinaro and Bilbia were acquaintances, suggesting that the attack was not random.
If convicted of the charges, Molinaro could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole. A probable cause conference has been scheduled for January 19, where further proceedings will occur as the case unfolds. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Bilbia’s death.