A Royal Oak man accused of fatally shooting a maintenance worker outside an apartment complex last year will undergo a psychiatric/psychological evaluation for competency, as ordered by Oakland County Circuit Judge Daniel O’Brien.
Nathaniel Rockwell, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony firearm for the July 31, 2025 fatal shooting of Gregory Hill, 65, of Southfield, at the Devon Park apartment complex. Rockwell is held in the Oakland County Jail, denied bond.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, prior to the shooting, Rockwell — who was a tenant at Devon Park — received an eviction notice due to multiple incidents with firearms. He allegedly confronted building management and another tenant who had reported him, got into an argument and then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and began firing at Hill. Hill was shot approximately 11 times at close range, the prosecutor’s office said.
Hill was working at the time of the shooting, the prosecutor’s office said. The apartment complex is on Crooks Road, between 13 Mile and 14 Mile roads.
As stated in his obituary, Hill was a General Motors retiree who continued working as a part-time maintenance worker at apartment complexes. “Known as everyone’s mechanic and go-to handyman, Gregory’s hard working spirit and skillful hands touched the lives of many….Those who knew him will remember his discipline, unwavering consideration for others, and steadfast reliability — qualities that defined his life. He was deeply loving and dependable, connecting effortlessly with both pets and babies, who were always drawn to his warmth,” the obituary states.
Hill was married and had two daughters.
Rockwell’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 2 for a review of his competency exam results.
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