The Murder of Devon Hoover: Cops probe why Detroit doctor's body was in blanket hidden in crawlspace
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: Police are reportedly interviewing acquaintances of Dr Devon Hoover. The probe is underway to find out why someone shot him to death, wrapped his body in a blanket, and stuffed it in the upstairs crawlspace of his mansion where he lived alone in Detroit's historic Boston-Edison district.
Homicide investigators are yet to establish a motive in the shooting death of the 53-year-old neurosurgeon. Police sources said responding officers found Hoover's body wrapped in a blanket in the upstairs crawlspace of his home in the 100 block of West Boston Boulevard while conducting a wellness check.
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Police investigation
Neighbors told The Detroit News that Hoover -- a neurosurgeon at Ascension Healthcare that operates out of St. John Hospital -- lived alone in the large house he had purchased in 2008 for $750,000 (now worth an estimated $1.2 million). They said he often had visitors as he would open his home for parties and other functions in the neighborhood. Authorities arrived at the home in the historic Boston-Edison district of Detroit after he was reportedly a no-show at a family party. It's worth noting that the coveted area is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the city and has been home to numerous Michigan celebrities including boxing legend Joe Louis and baseball icon Willie Horton.
Investigators reportedly found Hoover's car dumped at a separate location on Detroit's west side, per the department. One police source told CBS News that they believe the incident might be linked to a domestic situation that turned violent. That said, investigators are yet to reveal the circumstances that led up to the shooting and how many times the neurosurgeon was shot.
'Anchor of the block'
"It's going to take some time to wrap your head around what has happened," Hoover's neighbor, Jonathan Shearrod, told The Detroit News. He described the late neurosurgeon as an "anchor of the block" who was "extremely involved in the neighborhood" and regularly hosted parties and functions in his luxurious home. "I just can't imagine anyone experiencing that in their home or just having to face that kind of terror where you live," Shearrod added. Detroit Police Cpl. Dan Donakowski said on Wednesday, April 26, that an investigation is ongoing but did not provide any further details.
St John Hospital released a statement in the wake of the tragedy, calling Hoover "a dedicated and well-respected member of the Ascension Michigan family" who "will be greatly missed by our community." The hospital added, "Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow associates during this incredibly difficult time." Before joining Ascension, Hoover worked as a resident doctor in Henry Ford’s neurosurgery program from 1997-2002. According to US News and World Report, he graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine and had practiced neurosurgery for more than two decades
Funeral service details
According to the Verheyden Funeral Homes website, services for Hoover are scheduled for this weekend. A visitation is scheduled for noon to 8 pm on Saturday, April 29, at the Grosse Pointe Park location. A funeral will take place at 1.30 pm Sunday, April 30, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.