Three years without answers: Families plead for justice in double homicide on Detroit’s east side

DETROIT – It’s been three years since Marquese Smith and Teron Flowers were gunned down on Detroit’s east side. Their families are still searching for answers, and the shooter — or shooters — are still on the loose.

On Dec. 15, 2021, Marquese and Teron were shot near the Martin Luther King Apartments at Saint Aubin and Larned streets, according to Detroit police.

Three years later, their loved ones are still grieving and desperate for closure.

“We miss him dearly. I wish he was here. It hurts every day,” said Linda Jones, Marquese Jones’ grandmother.

Linda Jones, along with Marquese’s father and other family members, gathered this week at the Crime Stoppers headquarters in Southfield to plead for help. Jones believes fear is keeping witnesses silent.

“Please help us. Please. Please. I know you’re afraid,” said Jones, as she held back tears. “There’s a code at the King Homes. Even though they want to tell, they can’t, because they know if they’re found out, they too will die in Detroit. Police, I know you’re doing all you can, but we need your help.”

Detroit police said Marquese Jones and Teron Flowers got into an altercation with another group of men around 6:30 p.m. that night. They ran for their lives, but multiple shooters ambushed them. Both were shot and killed.

“There were at least 60 people out there at a party that was going on, and when the gunshots started, everybody just ran,” said a family spokesperson. “If anybody knows anything, please call Crime Stoppers. You don’t have to give your name.”

Crime Stoppers is offering a $4,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

“Take it to the bank, get your money,” Jones urged. “It’s a $4,000 reward for Marquese and Teron’s information.”

Detroit police continue to investigate, but they need help from the community. If you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tipsters remain completely anonymous.

For families like Marquese Jones’, justice is long overdue.

“We just want answers. Please help us find them,” said Jones.