She Lost Her Husband in 2010 — now she's losing Justice. How $300,000 + in Campaign Donations Led Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald to Undo a Jury Verdict.
- Linda Thom
- Jan 22
- 12 min read
THE MURDER OF SAIF JAMEEL
On July 2, 2010, the Chaldean community was shaken by a tragedy that no one could comprehend. At the BP gas station Troy Michigan where he owned, Saif Jameel was murdered by his own uncle, Hayes Bacall. Not over hatred. Not over a feud. Not over refusal to repay a debt. But over interest — a monthly payment on a family loan.
Key facts from the original case:
Hayes had lent Saif $400,000.
He demanded $7,000 a month in interest.
That month, Saif had paid $3,000, leaving $4,000 unpaid.
Instead of using the courts, mediators, or even family intervention, Hayes chose violence.
Witnesses and evidence showed that Hayes:
Arrived at the gas station armed
Positioned himself between Saif and the exit
Confronted him about the money
Ignored Saif’s desperate plea —“Give me a chance.”
Then fired twelve rounds, striking Saif ten times
After the killing, Hayes admitted to police:
“He owes me a lot of money.”
This was not confusion.This was not fear. This was premeditated murder, and the jury saw it clearly. Hayes Bacall was convicted of First-Degree Premeditated Murder.
There was:
No controversy
No recantation
No confusion
No new evidence
No alternative explanation
Just the truth. A nephew murdered by his own uncle over a $4,000 interest payment and a young wife suddenly left to raise three small children without their father.
An entire community was left devastated, trying to understand how a family dispute over money could end in such unimaginable violence.
THE VERDICT — AUGUST 18, 2011
After weeks of testimony, eyewitness statements, forensic evidence, and Hayes Bacall’s own incriminating admissions, the jury returned with a decision that echoed the truth Saif’s family had known from the first day.
On August 18, 2011, the jury found Hayes Bacall guilty of:
First-Degree Premeditated Murder
Felony Firearm
The verdict was unanimous.
Jurors agreed that:
Hayes went to Saif’s workplace armed with a loaded handgun.
He initiated the confrontation over money.
He blocked Saif’s only exit.
He ignored Saif’s plea — “Give me a chance.”
He fired twelve shots at close range, killing him instantly.
They rejected every element of self-defense. They rejected the idea of heat-of-the-moment anger. They rejected any alternate explanation.
This was premeditation — deliberate, intentional, and fueled by rage over a $4,000 interest payment.
When the verdict was read, Saif’s widow — now a single mother of three — finally felt the beginning of justice. For 13 years, that verdict stood strong. Every appeal failed. Every court upheld the conviction. It wasn’t until political influence and campaign money entered the picture years later that anyone dared question the truth the jury saw clearly in 2011.
SENTENCING DAY — LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE
Following the unanimous verdict, the case returned to Hon Judge Rae Lee Chabot for sentencing on September 15, 2011. Michigan law leaves no ambiguity in cases of First-Degree Premeditated Murder: the sentence is mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole.
On sentencing day, the courtroom was filled with members of the Chaldean community, still shaken by the brutality of the crime and grieving for the young father whose life had been stolen.
Saif’s widow sat in the front row — 3 small children at home waiting for her.
She listened as the court acknowledged:
The cold, deliberate nature of the killing
The financial motive behind it
Saif’s desperate plea for his life
The trauma inflicted on three innocent children
The devastating loss to the entire community
When Hon Judge Chabot delivered the sentence, she emphasized the gravity of Hayes’s actions:
He went to Saif’s workplace armed
He blocked his exit
He fired twelve rounds
He killed a man who begged him for mercy
And then admitted afterward, “He owes me a lot of money”
There was no question about the sentence: It was final. It was firm. It was justice as the law required. And for 13 years, this sentence stood strong — upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, federal courts, and repeated denials of reconsideration. Saif’s family believed the nightmare was finally behind them. They believed the truth had prevailed. They believed justice was secure. No one imagined that more than a decade later, political donors, false recantations, and a compromised prosecutor’s office would attempt to undo what a jury and multiple courts had already decided.
October 8, 2019: Keeping with Chaldeans & McDonald
October 8, 2019 episode of Keeping Up With the Chaldeans, Karen McDonald appeared as a guest while announcing her campaign for Oakland County Prosecutor. Sitting beside her were James Esshaki and Nicholas Hannawa, two well-connected members of the Chaldean community — and two close friends of the Bacall brothers.
During the episode, Karen McDonald stated: “We need to be smart on crime, not tough on crime.” For the Bacall network, these were not just words — they were a signal.
Immediately after the interview, the podcast promoted Karen McDonald’s upcoming fundraiser, hosted by the very same individuals who supported, guided, and later financially backed her political rise.
October 15, 2019: The Fundraiser That Signaled Everything
On Tuesday, October 15th, Karen McDonald attended a high-dollar fundraiser hosted by James Esshaki and Nicholas Hannawa — two close associates of the Bacall brothers.
Among the host committee was David Gorcyca, the former Oakland County Prosecutor who would later become a member of Hayes Bacall’s defense team.
That night, at James Esshaki and Nicholas Hannawa hosted at M1 Concourse’s Jonna’s Garage, with cocktails, catered dinner, and VIP Ticket Price: $1,000.00 they raised $42,900.00 for Karen McDonald’s campaign.
The Phone Call That Shattered the widow Genniver.
Only days after Karen McDonald’s October 15, 2019 appearance on Keeping Up With the Chaldeans — where she sat beside James Esshaki and Nicholas Hannawa — and only days after the high-dollar fundraiser hosted by Esshaki, with $1,000-a-ticket admission that ultimately raised $42,900 for her campaign, something happened that Genniver Jameel will never forget. Her phone rang. She answered. And the words she heard froze her in place:
“Hayes is coming out.” Those four words hit her like a physical blow.
For nine years — ever since Saif was murdered on June 5, 2010 — Genniver had lived with the trauma of raising three small children without their father. She survived the trial, the appeals, and every reminder of the 12 bullets that took her husband’s life.
She believed justice was finally secure.
She believed her children were protected.
She believed the nightmare was behind them.
But now, without warning — just days after Karen McDonald publicly aligned herself with the Bacall family’s political circle — someone was telling her: “Hayes will be getting out of prison."
A new prosecutor is coming. There was: No new evidence. No claim of innocence. No legal justification. No motion. No affidavit. No recantation Nothing at all. Just a name — spoken with disturbing confidence: “The new prosecutor coming her name Karen McDonald.”
The certainty in the caller’s voice was chilling, as if they already knew exactly how the next chapter would unfold.
This moment in late 2019 was the first sign that something was deeply wrong — that connections were forming, that influence was building, and that the Bacall family’s confidence wasn’t coincidence.
And for the widow of a murdered man, it was the moment she realized: The fight for justice wasn’t over. It was only just beginning.
2020 — The Bacall Brother enters the donors network
October 1, 2020 Event: Esshaki Fundraiser for Karen McDonald.
Hayes Bacall Jacob donated $500.00 his son Maher Bacall $1,000
Significance: First direct financial connection between the Bacall family and Karen McDonald.
October 13, 2021 James Esshaki “Fall Fundraiser”Amount Raised: $24,950
Significance: Ongoing financial support strengthens the political alliance one year before CIU recantations begin.
The Night Everything Shifted May 17, 2022 — James Esshaki & Denha Fundraiser. Total Raised: $86,800
Bacall brothers and his son attended the fundraiser. Eddie, Basel, Jacob, and Hayes Bacall's son Maher Bacall each donated $2,000/ each. Total $8,000
Significance: This represents the most lucrative fundraiser and the greatest involvement by the Bacall family.
Exactly Two Weeks Later - The First Recantation Interview
On May 31, 2022, two weeks following the successful fundraising of $86,800, the Oakland County prosecutor welcomed the Bacall family. CIU Investigator Tracey Walton, APA Beth Morrow, and Slieman Bashi's attorney, Robert Morad, conducted the initial interview with Slieman Bashi, who is Jacob's brother-in-law. This marked the first "softening/recanting" witness interview, occurring 14 days after the Bacall brothers made $8,000 donation.
The Most Alarming CIU Interview
On June 27, 2022, the Conviction Integrity Unit conducted one of the most consequential interviews in the entire Bacall case: the interview of Samir Bacall, the victim’s brother.
This was the moment that transformed a decade-old First-Degree Murder conviction into a politically charged effort to rewrite history. And the details of this interview are staggering.
Who Was in the CIU Room?
Not Just Investigators — But the Political Power Player Behind McDonald’s Fundraising Machine
Present inside the CIU room: Investigator: Tracey Walton
CIU Director: Beth Greenberg Morrow
Interviewee: Samir Bacall (the brother of the murder victim, now attempting to recant his original sworn testimony)
Attorney for Samir: Emily (his legal counsel) And shockingly — “Moral Support”: James Esshaki
The political fundraiser who helped raise over $300,000 for Karen McDonald.
Let that sink in: A political donor — a fundraiser — the man who hosted multiple events attended by the Bacall family sat INSIDE a CIU interview during the recantation that would later be used to attack a First-Degree Murder conviction.
This is not normal. This is not ethical. This is not justice. This is political interference inside a criminal integrity process.
The transcript even acknowledges Esshaki’s presence: “Mr. James Esshaki is here for moral support for Mr. Bacall.”
Moral support? Inside a recantation interview? During an active murder case review?
This was not moral support — this was influence, pressure, and political power entering a space that should have been neutral and protected.
HOW MANY TIMES WAS THE BACALL CASE DENIED?
Below is the full breakdown:
Michigan Court of Appeals – DENIED
2011–2012 Shortly after his conviction Bacall appealed. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction.
Michigan Supreme Court – DENIED After losing at the Court of Appeals, Bacall requested review. The Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
United States District Court (Federal Habeas) – DENIED
Hayes filed a federal habeas petition. The United States District Court denied all claims.
United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals – DENIED
Hayes asked the Sixth Circuit for permission to appeal the federal denial. They refused.
Motion for Relief from Judgment (MCR 6.500) – DENIED
Hayes filed a 6.500 motion in state court. Judge Mary Brennan denied it.
Motion for Reconsideration – DENIED Bacall asked Judge Brennan to reconsider the denial. She denied that too.
Motion for Reconsideration / Renewed Claims – DENIED On March 3, 2023 Judge Mary Allen Brennan wrote: "Here, Defendant contends that through recent investigation he has now discovered that several witnesses against him at trial testified falsely. However, Defendant offers no evidence to support these allegations. Defendant does not identify any witnesses or provide any affidavits. Moreover, the exhibits presented by Defendant consist of numerous letters of support from friends and relatives addressed to the Michigan Parole Board in 2018. Therefore, the Court concludes that Defendant has not met his burden under Cress. Accordingly, Defendant is not entitled to relief from judgment. THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant's motion for relief from judgment is DENIED.
NOW COME the Plaintiff, People of the State of Michigan, by and through counsel, David W. Williams, and Defendant, Hayes Bacall, by and through counsel, David G. Gorcyca and Robert E. Higbee, and jointly move this Court to reconsider its March 3, 2023, Opinion and Order and grant Mr. Bacall's requested relief: an order setting aside his conviction for First-Degree Homicide, entering a conviction for Second-Degree Homicide, and setting the matter for resentencing. As explained further in the attached Brief in Support, the People concurred in the relief sought in Mr. Bacall's Motion for Relief from Judgment, and at the time of that motion, the People had not provided Mr. Bacall with a written report from the People's Conviction Integrity Unit ("CIU"). Similarly, the recanting witnesses had made voluntary, recorded statements to the CIU without immunity from potential prosecution for perjury, but the witnesses had not been asked to execute affidavits. Since receipt of the Court's March 3, 2023, Opinion and Order, Mr. Bacall's counsel was provided with a written summary from the CIU (Exhibit One, CIU Report), and affidavits from the recanting witnesses.
WHEREFORE the parties respectfully request that the Court reconsider its March 3, 2023, Opinion and Order, set aside Defendant's conviction for First-Degree Homicide, enter a conviction for Second-Degree Homicide, and set the matter for resentencing.
Respectfully submitted, David W. William Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney--David Gorcyca Counsel for Defendant-- Robert E. Higbee Co Counsel for Defendant Dated: March 24, 2023
May 23, 2023, The Detroit News Kara Berg broke the story "Oakland prosecutor's review of murder conviction coincided with campaign donations frhtom man's family"
May 24, 2023, The Detroit News Kara Berg wrote Oakland County judge to decide if Farmington Hills man can be resentenced for 2011 murder
2024 — DONATIONS CONTINUE DURING APPEAL
August 8, 2024 Jayne Esshaki other James family member donated $8,000
Shows ongoing financial support for McDonald even while the case is in appellate litigation.
Donation Associated With James Esshaki + Bacall's family
From 2019 until 2024 its nearly $300,000 flows into a prosecutor’s campaign…freedom stops being about justice and starts being about money for Karen McDonald
Money didn’t just speak in this case. It bought influence. It bought access. And it attempted to buy freedom. November 8, 2024: Plaintiff-Appellee’s Brief on Appeal (Oral Argument Requested) The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office—through Karen D. McDonald, by David W. Williams—formally requested that the Michigan Court of Appeals:
Vacate the defendant’s first-degree murder conviction, and
Direct entry of a second-degree murder conviction in its place.
This request sought to modify a unanimous jury verdict rather than defend it.
November 27, 2024: Defendant-Appellant’s Reply Brief on Appeal (Final)Filed by Robert E. Higbee, on behalf of the defendant, completing appellate briefing.
April 14, 2025: Michigan Court of Appeals DecisionThe Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the case, holding:
After the jury convicted the defendant of first-degree murder, two key witnesses recanted.
The trial court abused its discretion by denying a new trial without adequately evaluating:
The probable impact of the recantations on retrial, and
The effect of retrying the case without the prosecutorial misconduct that occurred during the first trial.
The appellate court ordered further proceedings consistent with its opinion and did not retain jurisdiction.
April 16, 2025: Recorded Statement – 48 Minutes. A recorded conversation captured Samer Bacall recounting his original version of events to his aunt, contradicting his prior recantation.
April 17, 2025: The Detroit News Kara Burg wrote Farmington Hills man has 2011 murder conviction overturned, may get new trial
April 21, 2025: Recorded Statement – 23 Minutes. A second recording again documented Samer Bacall recounting his original story, further undermining the credibility of his recantation testimony.
May, 2025: Disclosure to Prosecutor’s Office Genniver Jameel, the victim’s widow, provided both recordings to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and explicitly requested that:
David W. Williams withdraw the People’s joinder in the defense motion, and
The trial court be informed that the recantation evidence relied upon was demonstrably false and contradicted by recordings.
No corrective disclosure was made to the court at that time.
October 3, 2025: Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss First-Degree Murder Charge. The defense filed a motion seeking complete dismissal of the first-degree murder charge, supported by an incorporated legal memorandum.The motion relied heavily on recantation testimony that the prosecution already knew was contradicted by recorded evidence.
October 3, 2025: Defendant’s Motion to Suppress Statement. Filed concurrently, with incorporated memorandum of law, by defense counsel Mark J. Kriger, David G. Gorcyca, and Robert E. Higbee.
October 10, 2025: People’s Answer to Defendant’s Motion to Suppress Statement. Filed by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office under Karen D. McDonald, signed by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Shelbe Sanborn and Matthew A. Fillmore. Notably, this filing did not disclose or address the existence of the recordings contradicting the recantation.
October 15, 2025: Hearing on Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss First-Degree Murder Charge. The motion was argued at 8:30 a.m. The court proceeded without having been timely informed of the recorded evidence contradicting the recantation.
October 20, 2025: People’s Motion for Reconsideration. For the first time, the prosecution acknowledged that:
For approximately six months (May–November 2025), it possessed a recording in which Samer Bacall admitted his recantation was false, stating he lied because he “hated Genniver.”
The recording was not disclosed by Oakland County Prosecutors office to the court before the dismissal of the first-degree murder charge.
The recording was finally disclosed at the November 2, 2025 hearing, after the court had already relied on the recantation evidence.
The prosecution sought reconsideration of the dismissal based on this belated disclosure.
October 30, 2025 The Detroit News Kara Berg wrote : Widow blasts Oakland prosecutors' handling of murder retrial
December 2, 2025: Opinion and Order on People’s Motion for Reconsideration. The court denied the prosecution’s motion, holding:
The People failed to demonstrate palpable error in the October 14, 2025 ruling.
The dismissal of the first-degree murder charge stood, despite the late-disclosed evidence.
January 28, 2026 (Scheduled) Sentencing Hearing Following Reduction of Conviction
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2026, following proceedings in which the defendant’s conviction is expected to be reduced from first-degree murder to second-degree murder.
This sentencing posture aligns with the relief previously sought by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office in its November 8, 2024 Plaintiff-Appellee’s Brief, filed under Karen D. McDonald, which requested that the Michigan Court of Appeals vacate the first-degree murder conviction and direct entry of a second-degree murder conviction.
The victim’s widow contends that the resulting sentencing outcome reflects commitments or assurances allegedly made during the prosecutor’s Karen McDonald October 2019 campaign period, including donor-associated events involving James Esshaki. These assertions are offered as context and remain allegations. Linda Thom Amerigo Press, LLC
Comments