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Detroit family mourns after father of 14 killed during armed robbery

DETROIT – Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two people wanted for their involvement in an armed robbery and deadly shooting on Detroit’s east side.

ORIGINAL STORY: VIDEO: Detroit police seek public’s assistance identifying man involved in fatal shooting

Mary Crowell called her son earlier the day he was killed, but he couldn’t talk because he was taking his children to the dentist.

“I had called him to say, ‘Let’s go to breakfast,’” Crowell said. “But he was busy taking care of his babies.”

Crowell believes her son, Nyassinu Crowell, knew the people who approached his car and killed him on Oct. 24. What she doesn’t understand is why the 46-year-old father was targeted.

“My son would’ve gave them what he had and probably did,” Mary Crowell said. “They still took his life.”

About two miles from where he was killed, loved ones gathered to remember the father of 14. His children ranged in age from two to 29. Crowell said her son doted on them all.

“He loved his family. He loved his children,” Crowell said. “I know they are going to miss him because they were always around him.”

Crowell was in a car with a friend near the intersection of Hayes Street and Seven Mile Road at about 9 p.m. Oct. 24 when two people walked up. Surveillance video shows one man, armed with a long gun, approach the driver’s side. Crowell got out of the vehicle and wrestled with the gun. The second person approached the passenger’s side of the vehicle and shot across the car, killing Crowell.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 313-596-2279 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.


About the Authors
Priya Mann headshot

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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