On the morning of July 18, 2017, 59-year-old Jawwaad Akbar was found dead inside his home on the 22400 block of Santa Maria Street on Detroit’s northwest side after firefighters extinguished a house fire. First responders discovered his body in the charred remains at about 8:45 a.m. and investigators determined the fire was not the cause of death. He had been shot multiple times before the blaze was set, and his body was found burned at the scene.

Family members said a friend had visited Akbar earlier and left around midnight, leaving him alone in the house. The case is being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been announced and the perpetrators remain at large; Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest.

If anyone knew Jawwaad Akbar, saw activity on Santa Maria Street that night, or has information that could help investigators, please come forward.