(WXYZ) — Detroit Police Department Chief James White says they have identified a person of interest in connection to the homicide of a local neurosurgeon.
White says the person was taken into custody early Friday morning on an unrelated charge.
“We are actively still investigating this case,” White said.
Police say they believe this was not a random act and that the victim’s home was not broken into.
White says there is no reason to believe that the community is at any risk.
Dr. Devon Hoover’s body was found Sunday evening at a home on W. Boston Boulevard near Woodward Avenue while police were conducting a wellness check. The 53-year-old had been fatally shot, police say.
According to Ascension Michigan, Hoover was a board-certified neurosurgeon with a special interest 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.
“He had such a future ahead of him, helped so many people. He’s a brilliant surgeon. He’d open his house to events and the neighborhood,” Alan Kaniarz, a friend of Hoover, said.
Kaniarz and many others are in disbelief. Hoover was known for helping countless patients and his kindness and generosity.
“I’m just heartsick. The world is a lesser place without him. He was a good, good man. Came from not a big city and loved the city and wanted to be in the city specifically,” Kaniarz said. “How could something like this happen to such a guy? I’m sure if you looked up gentleman in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Devon next to it.”
Ascension released the following statement regarding his death:
Devon Hoover, MD, was a dedicated and well respected member of the Ascension Michigan family and will be greatly missed by our community. Our sincerest condolence and heartfelt prayers are with his family, friends and fellow associated during this incredibly difficult time.
Anyone with information regarding Hoover's death is asked to call Detroit police.
