In the late hours of a January night in Saginaw, Michigan, the life of Donald J Patrick Jr., a 38-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short. On January 19, 2021, as he was leaving his job as a manager at Hooters on Bay Road, he was fatally shot. The incident shattered the evening's quiet and left a community searching for answers. Known as a hardworking and dedicated man, Donald was in training to become a general manager, a goal he was diligently working toward.
A passerby reported hearing the sound of multiple gunshots and witnessed an unidentified suspect clad in a white hooded sweatshirt fleeing the scene. The individual was seen running towards a nearby Walmart. Law enforcement officials, including a police K-9 unit, were quick to respond to the scene. The canine tracked the suspect’s scent for a distance before it abruptly ended, leading investigators to believe the assailant escaped in a waiting vehicle. This detail suggested a level of planning in the commission of the crime.
Despite the efforts of the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office, the case remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made in connection with Donald's murder. Investigators have indicated that they believe the shooting was a premeditated act, as the perpetrator seemed to be aware of Donald's work schedule. This has led to the belief that he was specifically targeted. In an effort to generate new leads, the reward for information that leads to an arrest has been increased to $7,500.
Donald was remembered by his loved ones as a man with a genuine and pure heart who was deeply family-oriented. He was a loving father to his two daughters, LaDonna and Olive. His sudden and violent death left a significant void in the lives of his family and his large circle of friends and work colleagues who continue to hope for justice. The investigation into his death is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
