BERKLEY, Mich. (WWJ) -- A heartbroken Berkley family is pleading for the public's help in bringing justice after the beating death of one of their loved ones.
Tyler Wingate of Berkley was brutally beaten to death following a minor car crash just before 2 a.m. Monday near Livernois and Davison on Detroit's west side. When the 24-year-old victim got out of his vehicle he was beaten and kicked to death by the driver of the a Chevy Impala outside a nearby gas station.
The suspect, who has since been identified as Lawrence James Davis, fled on foot with three other men and left his car at the scene, where Wingate was pronounced dead.
Jason Wingate says the last thing his family wants is revenge. Instead, they want justice "for the loss of a spectacular young man. A young man who friends, family and classmates say loved playing basketball and baseball and was excited about recently moving to Detroit and looked forward to being a part of the city's renaissance.
"Tyler wouldn't want us to be sad, although right now, that is inevitable. Tyler would be the first person to ensure that everything would be okay," his brother said. "He once told me, 'if one of us were to pass, don't mourn my death, but celebrate my life."
White ribbons were tied to trees, flagpoles and other places throughout the city to pay honor to Wingate.
Jason Wingate took the time to speak directly to Davis, pleading for him to turn himself in.
"We know you are out there and we know that you are watching. And I want you to see the damage that you have done, not only to my family, but to the community itself. I hope that by seeing your impact on our family, you will take it upon yourself to turn yourself in. That way, our family can receive the justice that we deserve and the justice that you deserve," he said.
"So after the suspect, who by the way has a history of violence dating back to when he was 15 years old, he after the last final blow to the victim, it appears he attempts to render some kind of aid."
Craig said Davis put water on the victim's face and then checked his pulse before walking away.
Craig said the 23-year-old Davis has had trouble with the law dating back to when he was 15 years old, but did not elaborate.
Anyone who has seen Lawrence James Davis or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact their local police departments. The Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Unit can be reached at 313-596-2260.
Wingate's family described their great loss in a Go Fund Me page set up to defray the costs of his funeral.
"Tyler was known for his contagious smile, constant good spirit and loving character. All of Oakland county knows and loves the Wingate family. Though the loss of Tyler will never be easy, help for the costs of the funeral, etc will allow one less thing for the Wingate family to think about during this time of grieving."
Nearly $50,000 has been raised in his honor.
"We share our extreme sorrow in this senseless crime, and pray for peace in the hearts and souls of all impacted. Tyler was a beautiful soul and good friend to our daughter," Mary Carleton Smith wrote.