Jaron Gist, a 24-year-old African-American man, was fatally shot on the morning of July 31, 2012, in a violent episode that unfolded at the Visible Change barber shop on Detroit's west side. Gist, a business student at Henry Ford Community College, was reportedly outside the barbershop located at the intersection of Joy and Dexter Roads when a suspect began firing at him around 10:30 a.m.
In an attempt to escape the assault, Gist ran into the barbershop.
The gunman, however, pursued him inside and continued to shoot, ultimately killing him. The gunfire also resulted in injuries to two other individuals inside the establishment: a 59-year-old barber, Stanley Kirby, and a 47-year-old customer, Gary Anderson. Kirby was left in critical condition, having been shot in the chest and abdomen, while Anderson was in serious condition after being shot in the hand. Some witnesses reported that Gist was armed and returned fire at his attacker.
In the months following the deadly shooting, Jaron Gist's family publicly pleaded for information that could lead to the capture of the person responsible for his death. His sister and the mother of his child spoke of their ongoing pain and the void his absence created, particularly for his children, the youngest of whom was born just months after his murder.
Despite investigations by the Detroit Police Department, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Jaron Gist, and the case remains unsolved. A reward was offered by Crime Stoppers for any information that would lead to an arrest, as authorities and community organizations continue to appeal to the public for assistance in bringing a resolution to the case. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly determined by investigators.
