In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 19, 2015, a sense of unease settled over a west side Detroit neighborhood. A man, James Gemes, known to his loved ones as 'Booze,' was at a friend's house on Rutherford Street. He borrowed a phone, made a call, and then abruptly left the residence in a hurry. Shortly after his departure, the sound of gunshots echoed through the streets, a tragically common sound that his friends initially did not connect to his sudden exit.
It wasn't until police activity was noticed in the area that a grim discovery was made. At the intersection of Prevost and Keeler streets, James Gemes was found lying in the street, his life tragically cut short by multiple gunshot wounds. The incident occurred at approximately 2:50 a.m., leaving a family and a community to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a man described as a loving and family-oriented person who enjoyed fishing and spending time with his relatives. He was the only son in his family.
In the wake of the homicide, Gemes's family pleaded with the public for any information that could lead to the individuals responsible for his death. His loved ones, devastated by the loss, sought closure and justice for a man they cherished. Crime Stoppers of Michigan became involved, offering a cash reward for any anonymous tips that would result in an arrest. Despite these efforts and the public appeals for witnesses to come forward, information regarding any suspects or arrests in the shooting death of James Gemes has not been made publicly available. The case, for now, remains a painful and unresolved chapter for his family.
