On the afternoon of October 9, 2016, 24-year-old Daran Burkes was shot and killed while walking home on Fenkell Street on Detroit’s west side. Witnesses and surveillance show a man approached from behind and fired into Daran’s back at about 4:20 p.m.; as he lay dying he reportedly pleaded for someone to call his mother. The attack happened on the sidewalk between Freeland and Ardmore Streets and, according to police, no clear motive was identified.

Daran was a student at the Charles Drew Transition Center, where he worked in the kitchen and pursued his dream of becoming a chef. Born with cerebral palsy, his family says he overcame early prognoses that he would not walk or talk. They describe him as a beloved son and brother who kept to himself, enjoyed games and music, and didn’t bother anyone.

Surveillance video captured the shooting and produced a suspect description: a Black male, mid to late 20s, about 6 feet 1 inch, slim, dark complexion, short dreads or braids, wearing a horizontally striped shirt and gray jogging pants. Police have considered mistaken identity as a possible explanation. No arrests have been announced and the case remains open.

If anyone has information about Daran’s killing or recognizes the person in the description, please contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.