DETROIT – Father’s Day is a painful reminder for Terrance Graham, a Detroit dad who says he has spent the past decade grieving his son.
This Father’s Day weekend marks the 10-year anniversary of the death of Martinus Wilson, who was only 20 when he was shot and killed in Detroit.
The case remains unsolved.
Graham, 44, described his son as “very smart, articulate,” and an artist who loved music and “would help anybody.”
He said Wilson was ambushed while giving coworkers a ride home from work.
Detroit police said the shooting happened around 3 a.m. June 15, 2016, on Rohns Street on Detroit’s east side, when two suspects approached their parked car and opened fire. Wilson and his friend, Nathan Mosby, were killed, and another person was injured, police said.
Grief, persistence, and faith
The years since his son’s killing have been defined by stages of anger and grief, but also by determination and persistence to keep his son’s memory from fading.
“We are still spreading the love, we haven’t given up hope on getting justice with Martinus, but we’re utilizing other ways to let his legacy live on,” Graham said.
When asked how he has managed to hold onto hope, Graham said he relies heavily on his faith.
“As we have approached the 10-year mark, we just kind of dug ourselves in the peace,” he said. “Let us focus on making sure his legacy lives on, and due diligence will be served.”
Graham said what he misses most is his son’s ability to brighten a room. “I miss the smile, the smile, he would just light us up,” he said. “You could never stay down around Martinus; he’d lift you up.”
Father’s Day hit especially hard the year his son died. But Graham said the holiday now helps him send a message he wants other families to hear:
“Continue to spread the love to your children and embrace them while they’re here,” Graham said. “We’re here today, we could be gone tomorrow.”
Graham said he wants his son to know his family has not stopped and will not stop working to find the person(s) who took his son’s life.
“We would never give up,” he said. “We will not stop till we get justice for you, and we will not let your passing be in vain. Your legacy will live on.”
Martinus Wilson’s legacy
Graham said he hopes his son’s legacy is rooted in simply spreading kindness to others.
“Spreading the love, utilizing your heart to touch others and showing people that you care,” Graham said. “That’s all it takes… and you never know how impactful that may be moving on in that person’s life.”
Anyone with information on who killed Martinus Wilson is asked to call Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
You can also submit a tip online here.
Graham is also scheduled to speak Saturday, June 20, at a Father’s Day brunch for fathers who have lost children to homicide, called “When Fathers Weep.” It is hosted at the Helen Moore Community Center in Detroit.
Click here for more information.
Graham and his wife have also created the Martinus Way Foundation.
Through the nonprofit, Patrice Wilson-Graham and her partners are committed to giving back.
Click here to learn more about The Martinus Way Foundation.