Taylor Man Shot Half-Brother In Self-Defense

This is a screenshot from the Heritage Sunday news site.
Posted in April 2000.

Taylor man shot half-brother in self-defense By Kristi Gutowski, Staff Writer

TAYLOR A man who shot his half-brother to death acted in self-defense, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Thomas J. Arcala, 58, feared for his life when he shot his half-brother, Michael Hipol, 38, of Canton Township, police said.

Hipol was killed April 19 at the house Arcala rented from him in the 5000 block of Banner.

The shooting occurred the second time Hipol went to the residence that day over a dispute about plumbing.

Police first were called to the home at about noon because of the dispute between the half-brothers.

Although Hipol left the first time shortly after police arrived, he returned to the Banner Street home later that night.

According to police, Arcala rented the home from Hipol and had refused to pay the rent because a plumbing problem had not been taken care of.

The dispute continued when Hipol returned to the home shortly after 11 p.m. He was shot by Arcala after he threw a concrete birdbath through the window of the house.

When officers arrived at about 11:15 p.m., Arcala told them that Hipol had called from his Canton home and told him he was coming over to "do some damage."

Arcala was inside the home when Hipol threw the birdbath through the window. Fearing for his life, Arcala shot Hipol.

Arcala was arrested by police that night, but was released pending issuance of a warrant from the prosecutor's office.

The warrant was denied on Thursday.

Detective Richard Todd said the report of the police investigation was submitted to the prosecutor's office, which decides if any charges will be filed.

Staff Writer Kristi Gutowski can be reached by e-mail at kgutowski@heritage.com or by calling 1-734-246-0856.

Google Maps Screenshot of 5931 Banner St, Taylor, MI
My uncle died below the front window, just right of the steps, (the one that is blurred).