Basim Sulaka.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The funeral for Basim Sulaka, 51, who was gunned down and killed Mar. 28 at the Clinton Township store he owned and operated for 18 years, was held Wednesday at Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield. 

Township police are still looking for the three suspects responsible for robbing the Moon Lite Party Store. Details of the crime have not been released, but surveillance images show the suspects wearing dark clothes and gloves. More than $12,000 is being offered as a reward to anyone with information that could help police solve the case.   

Since the 1970s about 200 Chaldeans have been killed while working to support their families. Two other recent deaths involve two Chaldeans, a Farmington Hills convenient store owner named Duraid Lossia who was murdered in December, and a Troy gas station clerk named Athir Putrus, who was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head in February. 

Sulaka, who battled esophageal cancer, is survived by his wife and two daughters ages 17 and 19. The couple was married for 21 years. Sulaka was loved by the community the store served. On Saturday, a candlelight vigil was held outside the store where family, friends and customers gathered. Those with information on the crime should contact Clinton Township police at 586.493.7802 or 586.493.7845.