In the late afternoon of September 6, 2023, 21-year-old De’Marcus La’Trell Franklin was found in the front yard of a Baker Street residence in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 3:23 p.m. The death is being treated as a homicide and the investigation remains ongoing.

De’Marcus was a 2020 graduate of Muskegon High School who played basketball and participated in youth football for Muskegon Heights. His family described him as a loving father to a ten-month-old daughter who enjoyed travel and had an interest in foreign cars, especially the Hyundai Genesis. No suspects have been identified or arrested, and police have asked anyone with information to contact the Muskegon Heights Police Department or the Silent Observer anonymous tip line.

A funeral service took place on September 16, 2023, at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church in Muskegon Heights. If anyone knew De’Marcus or has information that could help investigators, please come forward.