On February 10, 2014, 24-year-old Michael Hoots of Livonia was found dead in a burning house on Detroit’s west side. First responders recovered Hoots and 51-year-old Lawrence Bowman in the basement; Lawrence’s 26-year-old son Nicholas Bowman was found alive on the first floor but later died at a hospital. The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Hoots and Nicholas Bowman had been stabbed to death. Lawrence Bowman had multiple stab wounds and a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Authorities traced a missing 2013 Chrysler 200 registered to Hoots to Redford Township and arrested four people on February 11. Police recovered victims’ identification, personal items, and bloody clothing at an address connected to the suspects. The four arrested were Larry Paul Johnson, 20; Rashawn Tyrell Johnson, 19; Keeshon Lorenzo Lake, 19; and Tenisha Jackson, 19, and they were charged with serious felonies including murder, armed robbery, and arson. Reportedly, the crime was driven by a plan to steal items for a birthday, and the house fire was set to conceal the killings.

If anyone knew Michael Hoots or has information about what happened that night, please share what can help the investigation or provide closure for the families.