Poker pro Craig Bergeron, 34, was arrested for the fatal shooting of Tommy “Mike” Ireland, 37, in Detroit on Monday evening, December 25th. Bergeron allegedly shot and killed Ireland before fleeing the scene in a white SUV. He was apprehended the next evening and now faces a first-degree murder charge.
Craig Bergeron’s Poker Background
Craig Bergeron is a well-established name in the poker world. Over the years, he has earned over $1.3 million in live tournament earnings. One of his major achievements was winning a World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring in 2011 after winning a $560 no-limit hold’em event. Additionally, Bergeron had a career-best score of $312,853 when he finished 4th in the 2010 European Poker Tour (EPT) Deauville Main Event.
Known for his skills in both online and live poker, Bergeron became a top player during the poker boom era. He played under the screen name “hu4rollz” during the pre-Black Friday period and was even featured in an April 2011 Business Insider story. Despite his success in the poker world, Bergeron has been largely absent from the tournament circuit for the past five years.
The Alleged Crime Involving Craig Bergeron
On Monday night, December 25th, 2023, Detroit police were called to the scene of a shooting on the city’s east side. At around 8:40 p.m., they discovered the unresponsive body of Tommy “Mike” Ireland. Investigators believe that Craig Bergeron was responsible for the shooting. The authorities allege that Bergeron shot Ireland and fled the scene in a white SUV.
Following an intense search, Bergeron was apprehended the next day and arrested without incident. He was booked into the Wayne County Jail and has been charged with first-degree murder. Further details surrounding the incident are currently limited as the investigation continues.
Community Reactions and Family Tributes
Tommy Ireland’s family and loved ones have been left devastated by his untimely death. On Thursday night, they gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the life of the man who was described by his family as someone who “loved everybody.” Richard Castro, Ireland’s cousin, spoke to the press, calling the crime senseless. “It’s chaos out here. It’s chaos. Nobody should go through burying anybody, especially off of senseless crime,” Castro said.
Ashley Ireland, the victim’s sister, shared that the family didn’t know Craig Bergeron and expressed their shock and sadness over the events. She emphasized that her brother, Tommy, was a kind and good-hearted person who didn’t deserve this fate.
The Road Ahead for Craig Bergeron
With the case still under investigation, all eyes are now on the legal proceedings. Bergeron, who was arrested Tuesday evening, faces serious charges, including first-degree murder. The poker community, which has known Bergeron for his tournament victories and online presence, is in disbelief over the allegations. This tragic incident has shocked many, especially given Bergeron’s public profile in the poker world.
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