Alvin Antonio Hudson Jr. was a son, a father, and a friend, known to his loved ones for his warm and protective nature. A 40-year-old Black man, Alvin was a family-oriented person who enjoyed spending time with his children and was remembered for his ever-present smile. He was born on February 15, 1976, to Alvin Hudson Sr. and Carolyn Hudson. He grew up in a large, loving family with his siblings and was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system. Those who knew him best recall his love for fashion, particularly his fondness for Cartier glasses and stylish clothes, and his passion for cars. He was a man who took pride in his appearance and carried himself with a memorable confidence. His life, full of connections and future promise, was tragically and violently cut short in the fall of 2016.
On the evening of Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Alvin was on the 12000 block of Visger Street, near the corner of Elsmere Street, in a residential neighborhood of southwest Detroit. At approximately 7:40 p.m., he was fatally shot. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear to the public. When police and emergency medical services arrived at the scene, they found Alvin suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The motive behind the attack has never been established, and the identity of the person or people who ambushed him remains a painful, unanswered question for his family and the community.
The Detroit Police Department immediately opened a homicide investigation into Alvin's death. Detectives processed the scene on Visger Street, a quiet block lined with single-family homes, searching for physical evidence and speaking with potential witnesses. In the days and weeks that followed, investigators worked to piece together a timeline of Alvin’s last hours, hoping to uncover a lead that might point them toward a suspect. Despite their efforts, the case yielded few public clues. No suspect description was ever released, and no arrests were ever made, leaving the investigation to eventually go cold.
In the wake of his murder, Alvin's family was left to grapple with an immense and sudden loss. His mother, Carolyn, and his children were devastated by the violent end to a life they cherished. His loved ones gathered to say their final goodbyes at his funeral service, held at the O.H. Pye, III Funeral Home in Detroit, where they remembered the joy he brought into their lives. He was laid to rest at Detroit Memorial Park West. The absence of justice has only compounded the family's grief, as they have had to endure years of not knowing who was responsible for taking Alvin from them.
Years have passed, but the investigation into Alvin Hudson’s murder remains open. It is now considered a cold case, one of many unsolved homicides in the city of Detroit that await a breakthrough. For investigators, the hope is that a new piece of evidence, a technological advancement, or a witness finally choosing to come forward could provide the missing piece of the puzzle. For Alvin's family, the passage of time does not diminish the pain of their loss or their desire for accountability. They continue to wait for the day when they will have answers and the person responsible for his death is brought to justice.
As of late 2023, there has been no resolution in the case. The murder of Alvin Hudson remains a somber reminder of a life cut short and a family left waiting for closure. Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP or visit their website at 1800speakup.org. All tips can be made anonymously.
