Detroit flower shop owner fatally shot in driveway

(WJBK) - Police are investigating why a small business owner was a target for murder in his driveway Monday morning.

The grief on Ohio Street was immense.

"I can't understand it man. I don't know why nobody would want to hurt him," said Anthony Pinson, a family friend.

Deantai Box was shot and killed at just 32 years old in the driveway of his west side home. Family and friends say he was most likely on his way to his flower shop in Lathrup Village, Something Unique Floral.

"He's a very, very pleasant gentleman - would give you the shirt off his back," said his aunt, Leontyne Stallings.

Deantai was caring for a friend who is bedridden with cancer and staying at his home.

"He was just a great dude, man. Do anything for anybody. We lost a good guy," Pinson said.

While it is still a very active investigation, Detroit police say a witness heard a voice and then three gun shots around 7:30 a.m. Authorities say it doesn't appear the flower shop owner was robbed.

"I truly have no idea why someone would do this to him but I swear I hope they catch him whoever did it and I hope they just destroy him. I'm so tired of this nonsense going on," Stallings said.

Deantai had opened his flower shop at Southfield and 11 Mile earlier this year. Lathrup Village Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Garrett vividly remembers his kindness at the ribbon cutting for the shop.

"I only met him a couple of times but he was just so nice," she said.

If you have any information that could help with this investigation, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.