In the quiet of a Wednesday evening in Detroit, the life of Will Patrick III, a 38-year-old man, was tragically cut short. On October 6, 2010, as he was entering his home on the 300 block of East Milwaukee near Grand Boulevard, he was ambushed by two assailants. The individuals, described as two Black males wearing ski masks and dark clothing, approached him at approximately 9 p.m.
In a senseless act of violence, one of the men shot Patrick in the back of the head, an event that unfolded in the horrifying presence of his 17-year-old son.
Patrick was a beloved figure in his community, known for his dedication to mentoring young people. He served as the girls' basketball coach at a high school in Ferndale and had also pursued a career in cosmetology, not only graduating from cosmetology school but also becoming a certified instructor. His death was not the result of a robbery, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown, leaving his family and community grappling with unanswered questions.
In the wake of the murder, law enforcement and community organizations appealed to the public for assistance. Crime Stoppers of Michigan became involved, offering a cash reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of the individuals responsible for this cold-blooded killing. Despite the passage of time, there have been no publicly announced arrests or identification of suspects in the case. The investigation into the death of Will Patrick III remains open, a painful and unresolved chapter for his loved ones and the city of Detroit. The two men who fled into the night through a nearby alley have yet to be brought to justice for their violent crime.