Davontae Sanford's stepfather killed on Detroit's east side

DETROIT (WJBK) - The family of Davontae Sanford is all too familiar with pain, but they're experiencing even more after a man who was found shot to death on Detroit's east side is the step father of Sanford.

Sanford was freed from prison this summer after serving eight years for murdering four men when he was 14 years old. After his release, the family was jubilant. But now, they're in mourning.

"To take a life and not be concerned about it. Shows you don't have a heart," Rev. W.J. Rideout said. "I love Jermaine Tilmon. I love his family and I'm going to miss him."

Rideout spoke for the family on Thursday after Jermaine Tilmon's body was found shot to death on the city's east side.

The reverend says this family has been tested beyond belief.

"We went over that hurdle and trying to get over it, then the mom gets raped at a store. And now her husband's been murdered," Rideout said.

Tilmon was a husband, father, and Detroit school counselor. Now, he's the homicide victim found dead in the 3600 block of Chatsworth, just three miles from his home. FOX 2 learned he was on his way to visit an old friend. That friend, who is now a witness, is fearful of what could happen to her.

"When I close my eyes all I could do is picture him laying on the ground Like that. He don't deserve it. It's so unfair," the witness said.

Police say they have a person of interest in custody who is being questioned.

"People saw this. People know who did this and I'm praying justice be served," Rideout said.

A GoFundMe was set up to help the family who has been through so much to offset some of the financial burden.

"The family needs help and support with funeral services," Rideout said.

The anonymous witness said the gunman had a red bandana over his face and stood over Tilmon while he shot him repeatedly. Police called the person they have in custody only a 'person of interest' and stopped short of calling him a suspect.