DETROIT, Michigan (WXYZ) — He was a counselor, a youth Pastor, and a dad. His family and friends say they believe he had to have been murdered to do a case of mistaken identity.
Detroit Police say it happened Wednesday night. A man stopped at a red light at Livernois and Ewald Circle. Suddenly a man walked up and shot into his vehicle. Police say the shooter ran from the scene, got into an older model grey sedan and sped away northbound on Livernois.
Kelvin Wheeler Jr. died at the scene.
“I respected my son. I loved him. I don’t know what I am going to do,” said Kelvin Wheeler Sr.
Kelvin Wheeler Junior’s parents described how Kelvin set goals from a young age.
Rose Anderson says when he was a little boy he told her he was going to graduate from college. He kept his promise, graduating from the University of Michigan with a Degree in Counseling.
He became a youth pastor at Liberty Temple Baptist Church. His friends and family say he succeeded despite struggling with poverty and wanted to help others do that too.
“He wants to bring them up and help them reach the goals they set in their lives and feel they are somebody,” said Anderson.
“My friend is a ghetto superhero. The reason I say that is not all superhero wear capes,” said Rico McGhee, as he described how Kelvin helped numerous people in need.
Kelvin Wheeler Jr. leaves behind a son - who also shares his name and is heartbroken.
“As a church member and leader he was loved by all,” said Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr., of the Liberty Temple Baptist Church.
Detroit Police are asking anyone who has information that could help them identify the killer to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. All calls are anonymous.
