DETROIT (WWJ) - Family members and friends of well-known Detroit neurosurgeon found murdered in his home in April announced fundraising efforts towards a reward for tips that can help police nail a suspect.
The case that shocked the community continues to go unsolved nearly eight weeks after the 53-year-old doctor was discovered by Detroit police officers fatally shot, wrapped in a blanket and stashed in the upstairs crawlspace of his Boston-Edison district home.
Now, almost two months later, family and friends have launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money towards a $20,000 reward and hopefully solve the case.
"The family and friends of Devon want to help bring justice by raising a $20,000 reward for the first person who comes forward to the Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up with a tip leading to the arrest and prosecution of a suspect in this murder case," the crowdfunding page reads.
"All funds raised up to the goal of $20,000 will be turned over to Crimestoppers to handle the reward process," the description continues. "After one year, if no qualifying tip has been received, the reward money will be donated to the Detroit Opera (www.detroitopera.org) and Fraternite Notre Dame (www.fraternitenotredame.org), two organizations Devon loved and supported."
"Any donations above the $20,000 goal will be donated equally to the organizations mentioned above."
His two sisters, Lila and Laurie, and well as two friends, Carol and Kim, described Hoover on the crowdfunding page as a revered neurosurgeon, but also as a "kind brother to six sisters, an uncle and great uncle, and the only and beloved son to his parents."
"Devon was a pillar in his neighborhood community and a dear friend to many," the GoFundMe page said. "He was well-known as a generous, compassionate man. He hosted neighborhood Christmas parties, invested in the Detroit Opera by serving on the board, and touched the lives of his patients with both surgical skill and uncommon kindness."
St. John Hospital in Detroit, part of the Ascension Healthcare system, released a statement shortly after his death, identifying Hoover as the deceased.
"Devon Hoover, MD, was a dedicated and well respected member of the Ascension Michigan family and will be greatly missed by out community," a spokesperson said. "Our sincerest condolence and heartfelt prayers are with his family, friends and fellow associated during this incredibly difficult time."
Neighbors had told The Detroit News that Hoover lived alone in the home that he bought for $750,000 back in 2008. He often had parties and functions so visitors were not unusual, they mentioned.
As of noon Thursday, the site has raised nearly $7,500 towards its $20,000 goal. The GoFundMe page can be found here.
According to his profile through Ascension Michigan, Hoover was a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and had a special interest in neck and back disorders.
He obtained his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine before coming to Detroit and completing his residency at Henry Ford Hospital from 1997-2002. He received fellowship training at Louisiana State University School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Detroit police had a person of interest in Hoover's murder in custody on an unrelated, outstanding warrant, back in May, but was later released.
The investigation remains on going.
Information can be submitted 100% anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP (1-800-773-2587) or online here.
