Detroit, MI
Detroit man charged in murder of prominent neurosurgeon found competent to stand trial
A man charged in the homicide of prominent Detroit neurosurgeon Dr. Devon Hoover has been found competent to stand trial following a psychological evaluation.
Desmond Burks, 34, of Detroit, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, larceny of over $20,000, using a computer to commit a crime, possession of a firearm by a felon and three counts of felony firearm second offense.
Hoover was found dead in the attic of his home in the 100 block of W. Boston Boulevard in Detroit’s Boston-Edison neighborhood after police were called for a wellness check on April 23, 2023.
An autopsy revealed Hoover was shot twice in the back of the head.
Officials found nearly 4,000 communications with a phone number attributed to Burks. Prosecutors say the messages establish that Burks and Hoover were in an intimate relationship and that Burks would occasionally charge Hoover for sexual services. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the investigation was complicated because many witnesses were reluctant to come forward with sensitive and personal information.
Following Hoover’s murder, fraudulent transactions were reportedly made using his various bank accounts. Officials said more than $30,000 was stolen from Hoover’s accounts, as well as a Range Rover and two watches valued at $13,500.
Worthy said investigators collected 300 pieces of evidence, 134 search warrants were served and 40 cellphones were examined. The investigation involved five states (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Texas, and California) and three countries (England, France, and the U.S.).
Burks’ next court appearance has not yet been announced.
Photos by FOX 2 Photog Scott Federspiel
DETROIT (FOX 2) – A 16-year-old moped driver was hospitalized after a crash on Detroit’s west side on Wednesday night.
The backstory:
Detroit police say the teen disregarded a stop sign while going east on Vassar when he collided with a vehicle turning south on Outer Drive at about 9:30 p.m.
Photos by FOX 2 Photog Scott Federspiel
The boy was taken to a nearby hospital where he is listed in critical condition. The driver of the car, a woman in her 30s, was not injured.
The Source: Information for this report is from Detroit police.
Watch FOX 2 Detroit Live:
Chickens and geese that went missing from a local nonprofit’s Detroit site were found in the backyard of a nearby home, the director of operations said Wednesday.
The Full Circle Foundation, a Grosse Point Park-based nonprofit, said more than a dozen chickens and geese were believed stolen from a chicken coop on Detroit’s east side that also features the Full Circle Edible Garden.
The nonprofit provides training and job opportunities for young people with special needs.
Neighbors who learned from news reports about the missing flock found the “chickens were being held in the backyard of a vacant home not far from the Full Circle Edible Garden,” said Stephanie DiVirgil, director of operations. She said Ribbon Farm 4-H owns the flock.
“The homeowner was contacted, and she reached out to Full Circle to confirm,” said DiVirgil. “We were able to retrieve all of the chickens and geese that were found on the property, 19 in total.”
The foundation and Ribbon Farms 4-H are working to secure the site, including cameras, fencing and lights.
“We will likely start a fundraising campaign to have these items installed,” DiVirgil said. “We’ve gotten amazing support from the community, including offers to help pay for these additional security measures.”
DETROIT (WXYZ) — Human remains were found in a furnace of an home on Detroit’s west side, the Detroit Police Department tells us.
The remains was found by an individual working on the home in the 5200 block of S Clarendon just after 11 a.m.
Anyone with information can call 313-596-2260 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SpeakUp.
Stay with WXYZ.com for updates on this developing story.
-
New Jersey12 seconds agoFamily describes frantic moments delivering baby on the NJ Turnpike
-
New Mexico7 minutes agoHidden gem in Cloudcroft, New Mexico has best BBQ in US
-
North Carolina10 minutes agoNorth Carolina Airport Looks to Expand Commercial Service | AirlineGeeks.com
-
North Dakota15 minutes agoSan Francisco plots risky socialist bank modeled after controversial experiment
-
Ohio22 minutes agoFeeling itchy? Ohio leads nation with 6 cities on Orkin’s 2026 bed bug list
-
Oklahoma25 minutes agoOklahoma’s Brent Venables named to 2026 Dodd Trophy Preseason watch list
-
Oregon30 minutes agoRyan Reynolds-backed Aviation Gin shutters Oregon distillery
-
Pennsylvania37 minutes agoPA state rep. wants to force the York State Fair to change its name
