The murdered Detroit neurosurgeon was shot twice in the back of the head while naked wearing a black sock
A beloved Detroit neurosurgeon was shot twice in the back of the head “execution style” and was dragged face down into a crawl space, where an unknown killer covered his body.
An autopsy report filed by the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office, and obtained by the Detroit free press says Devon Hoover, 53, was shot first behind his right ear and then again in the back of the head.
He was then apparently dragged into a crawl space in his $1.2 million mansion, where he was covered in a comforter, sheet, and rug.
Police then found the Ascension Michigan Hospital doctor, who was believed to be living alone, in the attic of his home in the 100 block of West Boston Boulevard, wearing only a black sock.
Hoover’s death is now being investigated as a homicide, but Detroit authorities still have no one in custody and continue to ask the community for information.
Devon Hoover, 53, pictured, was shot to death and found wrapped in a sheet in the attic of his Detroit mansion in late April
An autopsy report suggests he was shot twice in the back of the head before being put in a crawl space of his home, where he presumably lived alone.
Hoover was found in the crawlspace on April 23 after police conducted a welfare check when he failed to show up for a family party in Indiana.
Detroit Police Chief James White declined to go into details about how the surgeon was found, but said officers were “quickly concerned about some of the things they saw in the house.”
Police ruled his death a homicide and announced on April 28 that they had a person of interest in custody on unrelated charges who were believed to have material information about Hoover’s death.
White said at the time that the arrested man and Hoover knew each other but declined to go into detail about the nature of their relationship.
“This was not a random act,” White added.
The official did not disclose a possible motive for the killing, but said his department has “some theories.”
“At this point, we’re happy to have a stakeholder we can interview,” he said. “We won’t stop until we have all the information we need.”
“We are still actively investigating this matter,” White stressed, adding that there is no indication that there is still a risk to the community.
But just a day later, Hoover’s multi-million dollar home was entered by at least one suspect who entered through a window.
No one was home at the time of the burglary and it is unclear if anything was stolen from the home.
However, charges against the person of interest never materialized, the Detroit Free Press reports, and the suspect was eventually released.
There have been no updates from the police since then and they are now turning to the community for tips.
The leading neurosurgeon was hailed as a “dedicated and respected” physician by his employer, Ascension Michigan Hospital
Hoover was one of the most renowned neurosurgeons in Detroit and was well loved in the community
Hoover was well-liked in his community and was previously named in Hour Detroit Magazine as one of Detroit’s leading neurological surgeons in 2008.
In a statement following his murder, Ascension Michigan Hospital said Hoover was “a devoted and respected member of the Ascension Michigan family and will be greatly missed by our community.”
“Our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers are associated with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
Roland Radinski, a neighbor of Dr. Hoover, said those who knew him had “nothing but good to say about him”
His former neighbor, Roland Radinski, also told DailyMail.com that the community was “grief for the loss of a nice neighbor and a good surgeon.”
“I have several friends who were patients of Dr. She and Hoover were shocked by his untimely death,” he continued. “They only had good things to say about him.”
Meanwhile, a special Facebook page titled “Justice for Dr. Devon Hoover’ spawned hundreds of messages paying tribute to the ‘great’ doctor.
Rest in peace beautiful and kind soul. You will be missed forever. You taught me how to love neurosurgery by working alongside you in the operating room,” one of his colleagues wrote.
Your patience was unparalleled. Prayers for your family and everyone you knew. We are devastated to have lost you! May your legacy and love of surgery live forever in those touched by your presence in this world.”
“Last weekend we lost a beloved colleague,” another colleague from Ascension Hospital added. ‘A very talented doctor… a man about whom no one can say anything bad. He was a real gentleman. He was sincere and loved helping people.’
A former patient added in a separate post that Hoover was considered “the best” and “wasn’t like most surgeons.”
“He said he wouldn’t operate unless absolutely necessary,” she continued. ‘Always so wonderful, knowledgeable and supportive. We are so very sad for his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.’
“I can’t believe how such a horrific tragedy can befall such a gentle, brilliant soul,” said another.
“God bless you, Dr. Hoover…I will never forget your kindness and respect.”