Search continues for 'Trans Am' Willie's killer in Detroit

Father of 3 gunned down on Detroit's east side

DETROIT – The family of a father of three who was gunned down on Detroit's east side in September is pleading for the suspects to come forward.

Willie Foster, also known as "Trans Am Willie," was shot to death while he was working at his auto body shop on Mack Avenue near Eastlawn and Newport Streets on September 21. The shooting happened at around 2:30 p.m. Two suspects entered the shop through the unlocked gate and fired multiple shots killing Foster before leaving the scene.

"I just talked to him at 1:30 and then I get a call at 2:30 saying he got killed," said Angela Foster, the victim's wife.

Willie Foster's son, Willie Fomby, also can't forget that day.

"Y'all just took my hero away from me. Somebody just need to say something because I can't let this die down like that," he said.

The family describes Willie as a caring and giving person.

"I would never thought in a million years that he would ever get murdered never because he was too good to any and everybody. I have an urn necklace and I have to wear this in memory of him. It's not right for somebody to come in and kill him like that, said Angela Foster.

The family said they forgive the suspects, but want closure.

"I just want peace now. I just want to move on in life because it won't bring him back, but I really would like to have closure," said Angela Foster.

"If we're supposed to be a village, where's the village? Who's going to stand up and be a voice for Willie," said Celestina Brown, the victim's sister-in-law.

The family said the cameras were rotated the day before Willie Foster's murder so they believe it was "premeditated," and that someone knows what happened.

They closed the auto body shop because of the murder and are asking for help to pay for bills in a GoFundMe page.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP. There is a $2,500 reward and if anyone provides information leading to an arrest before midnight February 28, there will be an additional $1,000.


About the Authors:

Koco joined the Local 4 News team in September of 2016. She was born and raised in Metro Detroit, attended Central Michigan University, and previously worked at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.