Charges Filed 16 Months After Shocking Homicide
Authorities have charged a man with first-degree murder in connection with the 2023 death of Dr. Devon Hoover, a highly respected neurosurgeon in the Detroit area. Dr. Hoover’s body was discovered wrapped in carpet and hidden in an attic crawl space in his historic Boston-Edison neighborhood home. The case has shaken the local medical community and shocked his patients.
Suspect Identified as Desmond Burks
Desmond Burks, 34, was charged with first-degree murder, larceny, and other related crimes. Prosecutor Kym Worthy revealed that Burks had an intimate relationship with Dr. Hoover and that he has been in custody since May on unrelated charges, including second-degree murder in a road rage incident. Burks is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. His attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
A Community in Mourning
Dr. Hoover, 53, was found with a gunshot wound to the back of his head, his body concealed in a third-floor crawl space. The discovery was made after family members in Indiana reported that Hoover had failed to visit his dying mother, prompting police to check on him. The news of his death left a deep impact on his patients and colleagues, who remembered him as a compassionate and skilled caregiver. Many shared photos and memories of Dr. Hoover, emphasizing the loss felt by the community.
Investigation Uncovers Shocking Details
The investigation into Hoover’s death revealed a complex web of communications and fraudulent activities. Prosecutor Worthy stated that Hoover’s phone records showed thousands of communications with Burks. She also mentioned that multiple fraudulent financial transactions were made from Hoover’s accounts shortly after his death.
Worthy declined to reveal the motive behind the murder but described the investigation as a “massive undertaking” that spanned five states and involved two other countries. The investigation also touched on luxury watches, Hoover’s Range Rover, and a significant amount of digital data.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Burks has a prior criminal record, having spent nearly nine years in prison following a 2011 arson conviction. He was discharged from parole supervision in 2022, just a year before Dr. Hoover’s murder.
