$5K reward offered for info after bodies found in basement on Detroit’s west side

Bodies found by homeowner who did not know them

Dwayne Pinkston, 60, and Barbara Jackson, 68 (WDIV)

DETROIT – Police in Detroit are looking for information relating to the deaths of two people who were found in a basement on the city’s west side.

They were discovered March 11 on Desoto Street, east of Wyoming Avenue. Police said a woman living at the home left for about an hour and returned to find her door locked. She told police she could not enter the home, so she entered through a window and searched inside for whoever had locked her door.

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She reportedly found the body of a woman at the bottom of the basement steps and a man’s body in the basement. They were identified as 68-year-old Barbara Jackson and 60-year-old Dwayne Pinkston.

There is no known motive, suspect, or vehicle information related to the incident.

Police are hoping that now that they’ve been identified, people may be able to provide information on what occurred that day.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-267-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. They will remain anonymous.

A $5,000 reward has been offered. Tips must include the case number 2503110287.

More information can be found on DetroitRewards.tv

The two bodies that were found in the basement of a home by a woman have been identified by Detroit police. (Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

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Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.