In the bright afternoon light of a Sunday in Detroit, a young man's life was brought to a sudden and violent end. Daran Burkes, a 24-year-old male, was walking home on October 9, 2016, along Fenkell Street on the city's west side. At approximately 4:20 p.m., as he walked down the sidewalk between Freeland and Ardmore Streets, a man approached him from behind and, without apparent reason, opened fire, shooting him in the back.
As he lay dying, his final words were a plea to 'Call my mother.'
Daran was a student at the Charles Drew Transition Center, a school for young adults with special needs. He had cerebral palsy and was considered a miracle by his family, who had been told when he was born that he would likely never walk or talk. Despite his challenges, he graduated from high school and worked in the kitchen at his school, pursuing his dream of becoming a chef. He was a beloved son and brother who, according to his family, didn't bother anyone and spent his time going to school, playing games, and listening to music at home.
The shooting was captured on surveillance video. The suspect was described as a Black male in his mid to late 20s, approximately 6'1' with a slim build, a dark complexion, and short dreads or braids. He was wearing a horizontally striped shirt and gray jogging pants. Detroit police have considered the possibility that Daran's murder was a tragic case of mistaken identity, as there was no clear motive for the attack on the young man.
In the years following the murder, Daran's family has continued to plead for justice. The case remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made. His family has expressed the deep pain of knowing that the person responsible for taking their brother and son's life is still free. They, along with Crime Stoppers, have repeatedly asked for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to help bring a close to their tragic loss and ensure the person who took Daran's future away is held accountable.
