Kidnapped, murdered man identified; suspect caught

A Detroit man killed after being kidnapped from a liquor store - now a suspect is in custody.

Ernest Barnett taken outside the west side store and found dead inside a van Thursday night.

"Ernest was a good person," said Jamie White, a longtime friend of the victim. "He would give you anything out of his pocket. I just can't believe this would happen to him.

"He was a local rapper. He worked every day. Took care of his mama."

Detroit Police have a suspect in custody who they believe abducted and shot Barnett Wednesday night outside of Von's Liquor Store along Greenfield.

When police found Barnett, they discovered he died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Police found the body of Barnett inside of this blue van lying in front of driver and passenger seats.

Surveillance video shows that same blue van outside of the liquor store the actual shooting too graphic to show.

Sources tell us police recovered a shotgun, ammunition, and cell phone from the scene on Marx Street where they found Barnett's body Thursday night.

"The streets are real bad around here," White said. "A lot of people dying left and right. I was so sad to hear was Ernest. I just saw him a couple of days ago. We were laughing and joking. I didn't know it was going to be the last time I saw him."

At this point, police have not released the name of the suspect they have in custody or a motive.

FOX 2: "Have you ever known anyone to want to come after him for any reason?"

"No, anyone that Ernest ever had a problem with, they solved it right then and there," White said. "That's the type of person he was. We would laugh that problem off right there and have a drink or something afterwards."

FOX 2 tried contacting Barnett's family for a comment, but have not heard back.

His brother posted on Facebook saying: "Rest in heaven to my baby brother Ernest Barnett. I love you bro. I know, I'm sorry. I love you very much. You will always be with me."