2 men jailed in antique dealer murder

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Two men are behind bars in the case of a Kalamazoo antique dealer who was beaten to death inside of his home one week ago.

Antonio Livingston, 21, and John Anthony Aguilar, 52, are being held in the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges related to the murder, records confirm.
 
Robert Medema, 74, was found dead in his home on Oakland Drive after an apparent robbery.

"I was almost surprised," one of the victim's cousins Chris Medema told 24 Hour New 8. "I'm pleased that they were obviously very diligent and could make something happen."

Something happened because the public helped. In a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety press release, police said on-scene evidence and interviews helped them come to their conclusion, but KDPS cited Silent Observer tips crucial to the case.

"Almost shocked, but relieved," Chris Medema said.

Livingston, at one time known as Antonio Martez Jackson, has previously faced charges for larceny of a stolen vehicle and drugs.
 
Aguilar, who has a criminal record in Michigan that dates back to 1978, was discharged from the Michigan Department of Corrections in June of last year after serving prison time for armed robbery, receiving stolen property, and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
 
Other charges in his past include a weapons offense, a dangerous drugs charge, larceny, assault, and a stolen vehicle conviction.  
 
"Detectives and Crime Lab personnel worked tirelessly since the case was reported last Saturday in an effort to collect, process and identify key evidence and details in this case," said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Assistant Chief Brian Uridge.

Medema owned the Emporium antique shop in downtown Kalamazoo. He is described as a gentle-spirited, old- fashioned businessman who opened the doors for his customers seven days a week. His funeral services were held Friday.
 
Police have not disclosed whether or not Medema knew the suspects.
 
After review by the prosecutor, both men will likely be formally charged early next week.