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'A shock': Father of man killed by alleged sucker punch at Detroit gas station speaks out

1 July 2025 at 23:48

An argument lead to a deadly punch at a Detroit gas station at the intersection of McNichols Road and Guston Street on Friday.

Sam Spruill Jr., 44, was the man who died in the incident. 7 News Detroit spoke with his father, Sam Spruill Sr.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Father speaks after son killed in gas station assault

Ever since he was a little kid, we always end the conversation (with) Dad, I love you. And I say it to him," Sam Spruill Sr. explained.

He told 7 News Detroit that little did he know, Thursday night would be the last time hed hear his son's voice.

The next day, two detectives knocked on his door.

To hear that my son had been murdered, it was a shock," Sam Spruill Sr. recalled.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office, Sam Spruill Jr. and another man got into an argument at the gas station on Detroits east side.

Police arrested Rayshawn Barber. The 26-year-old was arraigned on Monday.

Prosecutors said Barber started to walk away and then allegedly sucker-punched Sam Spruill Jr. The victim fell and hit his head on the ground.

Sadly, he died from his injuries.

After the defendant had hit the complainant, he said, 'I told you to shut up talking to me,'" attorney Lisa Coyle with the city of Detroit Law Department told the judge.

"And I also noted... he returned to the gas station and saw the complainant not moving, but he did nothing to aid the complainant."

Sam Spruill Sr. said, I think about why would someone take someones life? What could he have done? What could my son had possibly done to him to want my son losing his life?

The prosecutor said Barber has a history of assault and also home invasion. Hes now charged with involuntary manslaughter and if convicted, Barber could spend 15 years in prison.

"He has to deal with the consequences, whatever the law says," Sam Spruill Sr. told 7 News Detroit.

It just so happens Sam Spruill Sr. has dedicated decades of his life to prison ministry.

And I thought, 'Man, how could this happen to me? Im a giver. I want to help guys get ready to come back to our communities and be productive citizens once again. Why would someone want to take my sons life? My only one.'

Sam Spruill Jr., his only son and his namesake, was a founding partner of Queens Bar in downtown Detroit.

He always had this attitude of just want to help somebody. He want to give. He never knew how to say no. If you needed something, hed give it to you, Sam Spruill Sr. said.

As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, Sam Spruill Sr. said he finds himself daydreaming and reminiscing about the good times.

I was thinking about the time I even changed his diapers, ya know, when he first started doing karate and started playing the trombone in school, ya know, those moments. I was just in disbelief," he explained.

"It hurts not to hear my son's voice again."

Barber is due back in court later this month.

US Customs, first responders closely monitor Jobbie Nooner on Lake St. Clair

27 June 2025 at 22:59

During Jobbie Nooner, law enforcement, firefighters and medical personnel set up a command post on Harsens Island at a boat dock.

Hundreds of boats were out on Lake St. Clair for the 51st annual event around Gull Island. The U.S. Coast Guard was among several agencies patrolling.

Watch the video report below: Border patrol monitoring Jobbie Nooner

"Our role here is just for the safety of the boating public. We do not condone or sanction this event, but we do know that it happens and we want to make sure that people are safe," Coast Guard Lt. Samuel Rodriguez Garcia told 7 News Detroit.

He said the incidents they respond to widely range.

Watch Chopper 7 above Jobbie Nooner in the video player below: Chopper 7 over Jobbie Nooner in Lake St. Clair

"Throughout the day, we will respond to heat exposure, ya know, people drinking throughout the day. They may fall into the water or possibly injure themselves," Rodriguez Garcia explained.

Chief John Morris of U.S. Customs Border and Protection told 7 News Detroit his agents are monitoring the event for anyone who intends to break the law.

"Anytime there's a large event, and this can be anywhere in the country, whether it's Jobbie Nooner here, it could be any kind of festival with large gatherings along the border, they can and regularly are exploited," he explained.

He said people will use their boat to cross the border into the country illegally or will even try to smuggle other people and goods into the U.S.

"We're encouraging everybody, whether you've got friends coming over or you just like to come over from the Canadian side, just please ensure you're following U.S. law and regulation and come and have a good time," Morris explained.

He said boaters can declare their intention to enter the U.S. by using the CBP Roam app.

Desmond Burks to stand trial in the murder of Detroit Dr. Devon Hoover

26 June 2025 at 16:33

The man charged with the murder of Detroit neurosurgeon Dr. Devon Hoover will stand trial, a judge ruled on Thursday.

After four days of testimony, the judge ruled there was enough evidence for Desmond Burks to go to trial. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, larceny of over $20,000 and more.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Desmond Burks to stand trial in the murder of Detroit Dr. Devon Hoover

The judge ordered news media that are covering the trial to conceal the identities of witnesses because of threats and safety concerns.

On Wednesday, attorneys fought over whether certain questions could be asked in a case filled with charges of murder and sex with complete strangers.

During the hearing, prosecutors played video of Burks walking into a jewelry store at Fairlane Mall on April 22, 2023. That's the day Dr. Devon Hoover was discovered dead in his home.

A woman familiar with the transaction said Burks bought a 10-karat yellow gold charm and 10-karat yellow gold diamond earrings.

The prosecutor asked, "How did the individual pay for them?"

"Cash," the witness replied.

It was an expensive cash transaction despite more witnesses describing Burks as broke. Those same witnesses testified that Burks sent them hundreds of dollars via Cash App from an unknown account. They were then instructed to send the money to Burks actual Cash App account and to keep a little money for themselves. Witnesses said they were then told to delete their Cash App account.

Watch our report from Tuesday in the video below

Mystery backpack focus of testimony during day 2 of Hoover preliminary hearing

One woman said Burks instructed her to buy him some Cartier glasses online with Hoovers credit card number and to buy something nice for herself.

The prosecutor asked the witness, "Were you given immunity for the credit card fraud and the fraudulent activities that took place in this case?"

The witness replied, "Yes."

The woman testified that Burks previously broke her jaw, so her brother got revenge.

"My brother shot him," the witness said.

After becoming associated with Burks over a period of time, another woman testified that she's scared of Burks and faced threats.

The prosecution started the day Tuesday playing a recording of a jailhouse phone call between Burks and the first witness on the stand.

During the call, Burks denied he was the man in the surveillance video that shows a person walking away from a white Range Rover on Coyle Street on April 22, 2023.

"They just looking for evidence against me to make charges," he said during the call.

"They showed me a video of some guy walking, talking about that was me. Can't see his face or anything," Burks said.

Multiple witnesses testified that Burks sold prescription pills to make money and that he allegedly used dating sites to meet people for sex.

Watch our coverage of the first day in court in the video player below: Preliminary hearing begins for man charged with killing Dr. Devon Hoover

One of those witnesses said Burks also offered people sex for cash and that they helped Burks post sex ads online.

The prosecution asked several witnesses if they knew Burks to be a "man of means." Each said no.

One witness said Burks asked if he could leave a backpack at the witness' home. Soon, when the witness learned Burks ended up in jail for homicide, the witness checked the backpack and found Hoover's surgical glasses, some clothing and a handgun.

The witness testified to hearing about what was happening in the news regarding Hoover. From there, the witness reported panicking and destroying the evidence.

VIDEO: Driver crashes into multiple cars in Dearborn Heights, causes significant damage

21 June 2025 at 02:46

Police are searching for a driver who crashed into several vehicles in Dearborn Heights, totaling some.

The incident happened Friday just before 2 a.m. on Kingsbury Street.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: VIDEO: Driver crashes into multiple cars in Dearborn Heights, causes significant damage

Surveillance footage from multiple homes and angles captures the initial crash.

As a silver Toyota flew down flew down the street and left the scene after leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Watch surveillance and damage video below: Video: Driver crashes into cars in Dearborn Heights, leaves significant damage

We thought it was a tree that fell down, said Ali Almalki, who had three of his cars damaged.

The multi-car crash just about woke up the entire neighborhood.

When we walked outside, we saw smoke everywhere, Almalki said.

Dearborn Heights police say the driver hit five parked cars.

I had to call off work today because I couldnt make it. Same things, siblings couldnt really do anything either. They basically had to stay over. Everybody used to have a car in our house. Now, were only stuck to one car, Almalki said.

One of those vehicles landed in the Bleik familys front yard.

I called the cops, Omar Bleik said

Bleiks father, Rabih, ran outside.

He saw the person that was driving crawling out there car, Bleik said.

Rabih Bleik says he tried to see if the guy needed help.

I saw him (leave), running from here to this street and go left, Rabih Bleik said.

Dearborn Heights police say they arent sure if alcohol was involved since no one was apprehended.

We found his phone. The cops confiscated it. So hopefully, he gets found, Almalki said.

Almalki said the incident left him feeling stressed.

Were just waiting on police reports and see what happens and go from there, Almalki said.

If you have any information about the suspect or this case in general, call Dearborn Heights police at 313-277-6770.

Driver plows into headstones, Fowlerville man arrested

20 June 2025 at 03:11

Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville is peaceful but over the weekend, someone disturbed that peace by driving recklessly from the roadway and plowing through more than a dozen headstones.

Fowlerville police posted about the incident on its Facebook page. At least one of those headstones dates back to the Civil War.

Watch the video report below: Driver plows into headstones, Fowlerville man arrested

I thought it was disgraceful and yeah, it was disheartening. It was hard to see that, that someone would do that to peoples resting spot," Jamie Jasinski said.

His mother's urn is housed at Greenwood Cemetery just feet from where the vehicle crashed through the gate.

On Sunday, Jasinski said he took his father to the cemetery for Fathers Day to visit his mothers urn and grandmothers grave, like he has on other occasions since his mom's death in December 2023. But this time was disturbingly different.

My dad goes, Whats going on here? You see the gates all smashed up. Its like, ya know, we drove around. My dad was worried someone hit my moms resting place, Jasinski recalled.

Fowlerville police officer Dennis Masterman told 7 News Detroit, Definitely a first.

Saturday morning, Masterman said someone flagged him down and alerted him to the damage. He said the crash occurred late Friday night.

Masterman said a man drove his vehicle 262 feet and fled the scene.

Its a little disheartening. Its a little hard on the soul," he said.

In all, he said 13 headstones were damaged. Investigators said thats fewer than originally thought, but many tombstones are historical and irreplaceable.

Thats a large amount, Jasinski said.

There's thousands of dollars in damage.

And veteran headstones. Being a veteran myself, seeing this and seeing this and seeing someone attempting to get away with.. Ya know, causing damage to something that is the last resting place for their loved ones, Masterman said.

The police department posted about the crash on Facebook and said the driver was arrested and appropriate action is being taken. Police did not specify what may have caused the man to leave the roadway, however, they urged people whove had too much to drink, any drug or simply tired to stay off the roadway.

Call an Uber, call a friend or just pull your vehicle over and go to sleep. Throw the keys in the glove box. Theres no excuses in this day and age. Thats how I look at it, Jasinski said.

Fowlerville police said the case is under legal review.

Man shoots kills self, girlfriend in β€˜unexpected’ domestic violence incident

19 June 2025 at 00:17

A Detroit man shot and killed himself after shooting and killing his girlfriend, according to police.

It happened late Tuesdat night in the 1800 block of Shaftesbury Avenue.

That's on the city's west side. The incident is being called "unexpected."

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Detroit police investigating murder-suicide

"It doesn't sound like there was any type of argument at all between the two, according to the family. They have not been arguing. There's hasn't been a history of domestic violence between the two," Cmdr. Rebecca McKay told reporters.

Detroit police said the couple, both in their 30s, lived in her mother's home on Shaftesbury.

Five people were home at the time, including the victim's mother and two of her three children.

The shooting happened in an upstairs bedroom.

"Sometimes, unfortunately, the first act of violence is the last act of violence," Jeni Hooper, interim director of First Steptold, told 7 News Detroit.

She said oftentimes, her organization will hear that no one saw a violent episode coming.

"And that might be because the survivor, and unfortunately in this case, the victim may not have shared any information with anybody or reached out or felt safe enough to," Hooper explained.

She said victims will often look for reasons why the abuser is doing what they're doing.

"We don't want to believe that the person that we love or has expressed that they love us would be willing to cause harm," Hooper said.

Investigators said the suspect in this case suffered from an undisclosed mental illness, which may or may not have been a factor.

"When someone is navigating some mental illness, there can be that overlap where there's some struggles, however, it's not what is causing the domestic violence," Hooper said.

Regardless of one's mental state, she said domestic violence is a choice. Another domestic violence incident in Detroit on Tuesday led a special response team to converge on a home on the east side. But police say that suspect is still on the run.

Watch our report about the special response team incident below: Officers searching for suspect in 'heinous acts' after hourslong standoff in Detroit

McKay said, "A lot of times, domestic violence that just starts with simple assault and battery leads to violence much worse that can ultimately lead to death if you don't seek help."

The commander urges survivors to call police.

"If you are a family member and you are aware of a loved one who's suffering from domestic violence, the worse thing you can do is turn your back on them. You have to stay vigilant and be there for them when they need you. It can be very frustrating at times, but you have to stay in their lives because when you turn your back, that's when the assailant wins," McKay said.

MSP discovers $100K in counterfeit cash after Facebook Marketplace purchase

29 May 2025 at 22:14

Investigators at the Michigan State Police Brighton post said they found $100,000 in counterfeit cash at a home in the 4000 block of Brighton Township.

Watch: MSP discovers $100K in counterfeit cash after Facebook Marketplace purchase MSP discovers $100k in counterfeit cash after Facebook Marketplace purchase

Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez said one sketchy transaction blew an alleged counterfeiters cover, and it was just the tip of the iceberg. He said the suspect bought a drone through Facebook Marketplace for $800 using counterfeit cash in late March.

Gonzalez said, They met up at the victims residence. The transaction of the cash was completed, and the property (was) turned over to the suspect. The victim went back in the home and realized that the money that she was given was counterfeit. So, thats when police were contacted.

Detectives discovered that other law enforcement agencies in Oakland and Livingston Counties are investigating similar cases involving the same person. Details from each case helped them develop a suspect.

While executing a search warrant on May 23rd, investigators said they also took a laptop and cell phones as evidence.

This is the first weve heard of it, and we want to make sure others in the area are well aware," resident Matt F. told 7 News Detroit.

Matt said hes surprised to hear of the bust since there are only a handful of homes along that stretch.

So, how can people who do cash transactions protect themselves?

Extended interview: MSP shares more about counterfeit cases in metro Detroit Extended interview: MSP shares more about counterfeit cases in metro Detroit

Gonzalez said, "Theres a lot of scammers out there, and Facebook is just another avenue for them to work off of. So what I suggest to people, just like banks and stores use, if you give them a hundred dollars, theyre going to take a pen out and draw a line across that bill to ensure that its real.

You can buy the pens at office supply stores or on Amazon. A dark line means it's fake. A gold or yellow line means it's authentic.

The Secret Service has images and a detailed breakdown on its website of what real money looks like to the naked eye.

Gonzalez explained, Theres a lot of things people can look for. Cash now is gonna have a little thread right through it, a gold thread right through the one side of the money. The texture of it feels different. Make sure that the serial numbers are different. Like a lot of times, these counterfeiters dont think, and theyre just printing out this money, and it has the same serial number throughout 10 bills, 20 bills.

He said this is an ongoing investigation, and once its complete, investigators will send their request for charges to the Livingston County prosecutor for her to review.

Hamtramck emergency meeting concerning police chief ends without decision

24 May 2025 at 03:30

The city of Hamtramck held an emergency meeting Friday centering around "volatility within city administration."

Watch the video report below: Hamtramck emergency meeting concerning police chief ends without decision

That includes accusations of misconduct against Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri. He's on paid administrative leave.

At this point, details of the chief's alleged wrongdoing remain unclear. However, the mayor confirms the FBI was at city hall Friday.

Previous report: Hamtramck police chief placed on administrative leave amid investigation Hamtramck police chief placed on administrative leave amid investigation

Residents attended the meeting in mass to state their positions.

No action was taken and no decision was made at the meeting. Leading up to it, city manager Max Garbarino expressed his concern that city council may motion to fire him.

The council could have also voted to reinstate the police chief. That did not happen.

Mayor Amer Ghalib told news media after the meeting, "If he's proven guilty by the investigation, then he would be held accountable. But at the same time, two other people are involved in this situation are kept aside."

The city manager told reporters, "We acted decisively. We put the parties involved on an administrative paid leave, and we immediately went to hire an outside company to do a very decisive and fair and factual transparent process with this."

The allegations are still unclear. However, a lively exchange between the mayor and the city manager reveal there are both civil allegations, according to the city manager, and criminal allegations.

During the meeting, Ghalib said, "So that's why the FBI showed up today. That's good. We want the FBI to get involved because it would be fair and transparent and if the police chief is guilty, (then) he should be held accountable. I don't care. I'm not going to defend him."

"The situation has to be investigated. It cannot stay open and just out there. So, it's gotta have a resolution to it."

He added, "The chief deserves to have his chance to be vindicated just as anyone else or (held) responsible."

The mayor and the city manager disagree on the city manager's decision to select an outside firm to investigate. Ghalib said if an outside firm is used, then the council should be a part of that selection process to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Fork n' Pint holds pop-up at Irish Tavern after fire; 2 June fundraisers planned

19 May 2025 at 21:54

Fork n' Pint is holding a pop-up shop at Irish Tavern Waterford. Fork n' Pint burned down May 1.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Watch the video report below: Fork n' Pint holds pop-up at Irish Tavern after fire; 2 June fundraisers planned

Employees who 7 News Detroit spoke with said the building in its current state is still very tough to view. Their livelihood sits in ruins, however, they said they are grateful for the opportunities being provided to salvage some of their lost income.

Chef Brian Coleman, who knows his way around a kitchen, cooked at Fork n' Pint for nearly 10 years. He recalls the morning he heard about the fire.

"Immediately went to the restaurant, got there in under five minutes and it was just tears from there," he said.

Hear more from Chef Brian Coleman in the video below: Extended interview: Chef talks about aftermath of Fork n' Pint fire

Coleman said he stayed in the house for about three days and grieved. But then, he said he got busy working at other restaurants within the company and helped improve their food.

"That was the No. 1 priority for the owners, for the Youngs, was to get staff jobs either here or in other places," he explained.

"The community reached out too other restaurants looking for cooks, looking for servers, bartenders. So, it was great. I believe 90% of our staff right now is working."

Related video: 'A landmark forever': Residents reflect on Fork n' Pint after fire guts building Fire devastates popular Fork n' Pint restaurant in Waterford Township

Irish Tavern Waterford is one of four restaurants within the company. Sean Neal is the general manager.

"My main concern was always going to be well, how can I help the employees and everything like that. I started putting together different resources of like how many I have over here that I could kind of get employees over here to cover some shifts, seeing what the other stores were able to do that kind of stuff," Neal told 7 News Detroit.

To help displaced employees like Coleman salvage some lost wages, Irish Tavern Waterford is hosting a pop-up shop for Fork n' Pint from Monday afternoon into the evening. Employees from Fork n' Pint will be working.

William Schwab is the general manager of Fork n' Pint.

"One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to the staff," he explained.

Schwab said the fire couldn't have happened at a worse time.

"It's very difficult to look at that building right now, especially knowing that that is the meat and the potatoes for my serving staff. That time of year, the next three months, is where they made their money for the year," Schwab explained.

So in the kitchen, Coleman said he'll be fixing some Fork n' Pint specials.

"So, these fundraisers help those guys to pay their bills," Coleman said.

Schwab said the next two fundraisers are June 1 at Billy's Tippin' Inn in White Lake from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and June 18 at Santia Banquet Center in Keego Harbor from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. He said there will be live entertainment at both events.

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