DETROIT – Crime Stoppers says it is offering a $2,500 reward in an attempt to solve a murder 18 months ago of an aspiring artist who was killed and his body desecrated.
In June of 2012, police stopped to put out a grass fire, but it was not grass fire. David Reid's killers set him on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence, and his mother is begging for the public's help to get justice.
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"He was well loved and very gentle," said Marjorie Reid.
David Reid poured that tenderness into his murals. He even had his works displayed at the DIA, but his promise and talent was brought to an end 18 months ago.
Reid was last seen getting into a full size SUV in a Comerica Bank lot on Chicago and Schaefer. Police know he was murdered in a nearby home, but are keeping that location a secret, hoping to use it to authenticate information they hope tipsters will provide soon.
"How can anyone live with themselves, rise in the morning, shave and eat and know you've taken a life?" asked Marjorie Reid. "If you saw anything, please come forward."
"We're asking for the public's help because this crime is horrendous," said Scott Shea of DPD Homicide. "To set someone on fire like they did is unspeakable."
The neighborhood where David Reid died is known on the street as "West Hell." His mother knows people are scared to cooperate but hopes there is an avenging angel among them.
"They're still out there. The fact they killed my son, next time it's someone else's son, your son who may be in that area," Marjorie Reid said.