Kevin Hood, 43, was shot and killed outside his newly opened Shine On Hand Car Wash & Detail at 15th and Massachusetts streets in Gary, Indiana, during the grand opening on July 28, 2017. Less than 30 minutes after the shooting he was pronounced dead. Hood was a father of five and a motorcycle enthusiast remembered by neighbors for being helpful; he had planned to attend his West Side Leadership Academy class reunion that weekend, which instead became an impromptu memorial.

Investigators say the killing was tied to a broader criminal conspiracy involving drug trafficking rather than a simple robbery. Court documents allege Devontae Lil Cuz Martin drove through the car wash armed with an AK-47-style rifle intending to steal both money and cocaine. A physical struggle between Martin and Hood reportedly took place, and Taquan Boonie Clarke is accused of running up and shooting Hood. The case involved FBI, Gary Police and Lake County Sheriff’s investigators, and other suspects were linked to a cocaine ring.

If anyone has information about Kevin Hood, his business, or the events outside the car wash that day, please share what is known.