WESTLAND (WXYZ) — Officials with the City of Detroit are mourning the death of a young policy analyst who worked alongside Councilman James Tate.
On Sunday, July 5, Deandree Watson was found dead inside his vehicle in Westland. Police say Watson was the victim of an apparent murder-suicide.
Another person, Deontez Jones, was found at the nearby Willow Creek apartments with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Westland police said.
Police say Watson and Jones were known associates.
"It is with great sadness that I share the tragic passing of my team member and friend, DeAndree Watson," a statement from Councilman Tate's office read. "This year has been challenging to say the least, but never did I imagine losing someone so integral to our office and our city… so soon. DeAndree was the epitome of a leader and was often the first person to volunteer whenever he was needed. His impact goes well beyond our office as he brought greatness to everything he was involved in. In the 7 years we worked together, I had the pleasure of witnessing him mature from a previously outwardly shy intern into a very opinionated young man who was very active in progressive social and political issues. He spoke often about change and realized the way to transform many of the ills that have gripped our society was through public policy. Recently accepted to U-M Law School, DeAndree was well on his way to further shape our world and I’m truly heartbroken that we won’t get to witness more of his journey.
Our dear friend and colleague will forever be missed."
Mayor Mike Duggan also spoke about Watson's passing, calling him a "brilliant policy analyst" and one of "Detroit’s rising leaders" in a Facebook post.
An investigation into the deaths is ongoing, police say.
If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text ‘HOME’ to 741741.
