In the summer of 2019, the life of 32-year-old William Hagen was tragically cut short in Detroit, Michigan. A father to four young boys, his remains were discovered in the vicinity of Livernois Avenue and Ridgewood Street in July of that year. An investigation determined that he had been fatally shot, marking the beginning of a long and painful journey for his family who sought answers and justice.
William was remembered by his loved ones as a smart, fun-loving, and outgoing individual
who cherished his role as a father. His life had taken a difficult turn after a serious accident led to an addiction to pain medication and a subsequent drug habit. Despite his struggles, his family remained hopeful for his recovery. The news of his violent death came as a profound shock, a grief compounded by the agonizingly slow process of identifying his remains, which took over two years. This delay prolonged the family's suffering and their ability to lay him to rest.
The investigation into William Hagen's murder remains ongoing, a cold case that continues to haunt his family. As of late 2025, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified, leaving a void of unanswered questions. His mother and sister-in-law have spoken out about their immense pain and the cruelty of how his body was left. With no apparent motive, as nothing was stolen from him, his death is perceived by his family as a senseless act of hate.
In their determined quest for justice, William's family has made public appeals for any information that could lead to the capture of his killer. Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward for tips that could move the case forward. The family continues to hold onto hope that someone will come forward with the information needed to bring closure and hold the person or persons responsible for William Hagen's death accountable.
