DETROIT (WXYZ) — As detectives continue to investigate the homicide of Dr. Devon Hoover, a $1,000 reward is being offered for information in the case.
Hoover, 53, was found dead on April 23 inside his Detroit home on W. Boston Boulevard near Woodward Avenue while police were conducting a wellness check. He had been fatally shot.
Police were originally called after Hoover did not make it to a family party, sources say.
Community members were in disbelief and shared their support for the well-respected neurosurgeon after hearing about his death.
He was laid to rest on April 30 at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Hoover was a physician at Ascension St. John specializing in neck and back disorders. He completed medical training at Indiana University School of Medicine before doing his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He completed fellowships at Louisiana State University School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Hoover's family released the following statement Wednesday:
"We, the family of Dr. Devon A. Hoover, would like to express our incredible gratitude to the entire Detroit community. You have been so supportive during this time of tragic loss. Devon left a gaping hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Many of you told us how kind, attentive, and generous he was. This was not a surprise to us, but it was heartwarming to hear of the extent and scale of Devon’s impact. We are also encouraged by all who have advocated for us and for Devon. We are hopeful that those with relevant information will come forward to help bring some closure to this horrific series of events. Some answers would be helpful and healing, and we are grateful for all who are working toward justice in these dark days."
Weeks after Dr. Hoover's passing, the outpouring of support and calls for an arrest continue.
"Even knowing him for a short period of time, you felt like you knew Dr. Hoover forever and you knew that he was brought here to do great things," said former patient Brian Potter.
Potter says he was first introduced to Dr. Hoover in July of 2021 when his wife, Kari, began having neck and body issues. Potter says Dr. Hoover performed spinal surgery on his wife that kept her from becoming wheelchair bound. He says less than a year later, he also began to have medical issues, periodically going numb and in constant pain. He says Dr. Hoover performed emergency surgery which prevented Potter from becoming paralyzed.
"I get emotional talking about it because he was more than a doctor. He was a friend and he changed mine and my wife’s life," said Potter.
Potter is now one of hundreds in the community calling for witnesses to speak up and help bring Dr. Hoover's killer to justice.
"No one deserves to be murdered and I don’t want to say Dr Hoover deserved more than anybody else but you took a life of a person who changed the lives of so many people," said Potter. "We’re all encouraged to do the right thing in life but some people are afraid or live by the code of no snitching. To bring a killer to justice isn’t snitching, it’s doing the right thing."
Wednesday police told 7 Action News reporters there were not any new details to share in the case. However Tuesday, Detroit Police announced they are now offering a $1,000 rewardfor any information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to send anonymous tips to detroitrewards.tv, using case number 2304230294.
