The Mystery of Dr Devon Hoover's death: Loved ones fear police's 'domestic incident' verdict may allow real killer to go free
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: The barbaric murder of Dr Devon Hoover in his stately Detroit home has been swathed in mystery. Almost two months after the fatal killing, the lack of information has sparked concerns among the renowned neurosurgeon's loved ones, who are questioning if the police investigation is heading the right way. The 53-year-old was found face down in a crawl space in his attic on April 23 after his family was alarmed when he failed to attend an event.
The neurosurgeon was shot twice in the back of the head before being stripped of his clothes and dragged into the attic. An autopsy determined that Hoover was first shot behind his right ear and again in the back of his head. He was found wrapped in a plastic sheet, wearing nothing but one black sock. Police promptly told the public that the murder was likely not a random act and detained a person of interest on unrelated charges. However, the unidentified person was released five days later as police didn't have enough evidence to keep them in custody. Since then, nothing new has come out apart from the announcement of a prize for information.
'They think it was somebody he knew'
Previously authorities revealed that Hoover was shot dead in a "domestic incident," but his best friend doesn't feel the same. "When the police say, you know, they think it was somebody he knew, what does that even mean?" Jordan Medeiros, who knew Hoover for two decades, told The Daily Beast. He then questioned the police's analysis, saying, "I mean, just because there's no sign of forced entry—just because he willingly opened his door, does not mean that it was somebody he knew like it's somebody close to him."
Medeiros, who gave a statement to police in April, also claimed that he asked police for more information regarding the murder but was told that officials were withholding it to corroborate witnesses. The friend said he doesn't believe Hoover's killer knew him at all, and even if he did, they probably didn't have a close relationship. He believes police claimed that Hoover's death was a "domestic incident" in order to "appease the public" and quell the fear.
However, the Boston-Edison District, where Hoover lived, has noticed the opposite impact. "That fact is even more upsetting because if the killer knew him, then we likely know the killer," Jeanne Wyatt told the outlet, adding that Hoover's murder was quite a shock and he had invested in a top-notch home security system since the incident.
A reward of $22,500 is offered for information on Dr Devon Hoover's death
Medeiros stated he still supports the police investigation despite his criticism of the officers' remarks on the allegedly "domestic" nature of the crime. He expressed regret that more money couldn't have been donated to increase the prize, but he also said that police warned him that a rising reward amount would encourage someone to hold back on speaking in the expectation of receiving a higher sum in the future.
Currently, a total reward of $22,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the death of Hoover. $2,500 was put up by authorities, and $20,000 was raised by loved ones on GoFundMe. Despite the reward, the case remains unsolved, leaving Medeiros and those who knew and loved Hoover to agonize over it, wait for explanations, and recall some of their favorite memories.