Young father gunned down during break-in; suspect at large

A 24-year-old man gunned down in his own home while trying to protect his family during a break-in.

It happened early Monday morning on Detroit's west side and the shooter is still at large.

The family of 24-year-old Darrin Wyatt Jr. says he was a family man, a father to an unborn child and a three-year daughter he was very close to.

"The smile of the family, we called him 'Smiley,' he was the most loving person you'd ever meet," said Cierra Troutman, Darrin's cousin. "She's doing ok, she's just looking for daddy. She thinks he's at the doctor. how do you break that to a 3-year-old that you're never going to see your father again."

Detroit police say Wyatt was home with his daughter and other family members early Monday morning at his house on Vancourt when he heard someone downstairs attempting to break in. As he was heading downstairs, bullets were fired through the front window, hitting him multiple times and killing him.

"He didn't deserve that," Troutman said. "He wasn't out running the streets. He was a working man and he loved his daughter to death."

The house has been in their family for generations adding that they've never had a problem until Monday morning.

Police still have no one in custody and are asking the public to call if you have tips at (313) 596-5200.

A vigil is set to be held at 6:30 Thursday night at Darrin's home where he lost his life.

"We just want justice that's it that's all we're asking for," Troutman said. "And lots of prayers.."

Darrin's family calls him a hero and now they are asking for help paying for Darrin's funeral, and to support the daughter and unborn child he leaves behind.

CLICK HERE for a GoFundMe link to help the family.