DETROIT – Family members are searching for answers after a business owner was gunned down outside his home on Detroit’s west side.
DeAntai Box was fatally shot Sept. 25 at about 7:20 a.m. in the 18000 block of Ohio Street as he walked out of his home to get a wheelchair for a terminally ill friend. Box was 32.
Box had just opened the Something Unique floral shop in Southfield.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
You can watch Koco McAboy's full update in the video posted above.
What happened
Box was shot and killed earlier this year outside his home on Detroit's west side.
Family members said Box walked out of his home when someone opened fire and killed him.
Box's family and friends said he devoted his life to caring for other people. They said his death was senseless.
Sounds of heartbreak and prayer echoed through the neighborhood Monday after the shooting.
"To be killed in cold blood at his home -- he did not deserve that," said Box's cousin Chanita Cole. "I'm going to miss my cousin. We were close."
Family members said Box was getting the wheelchair to help his terminally ill friend.
"This day will haunt the person who did this tragic crime," said Box's cousin Wayne Birkutt.
Box's loved ones are left in disbelief.
"It was tremendously devastating," said Box's friend Aaron. "It was like no pain I've ever felt. It took me for a complete loop."
Box had just opened the Something Unique floral shop in Southfield. Family members called him loving and said he served as a caregiver for many people.
"It's sad," said Box's aunt Leontyne Stallings. "We're hoping and praying police can get behind this and find out who killed him."
Loved ones had a message for the shooter as they mourned Box's death.
"Vengeance is the Lord's, so you just held yourself in hostage," said Box's cousin Sharon Jones. "I'm going to bless you in the name of Jesus, because you know what you did was wrong."
"You took an angel and brother," said Box's aunt Doretha Smith. "You're going to pay for it. You might not pay for it now, but the Lord is looking at you."
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-2200.