Man gunned down on front porch of his east side house, suspect photo released

Image 1 of 5

A father gunned down on his own front porch after visiting family next door.

Police are searching for the killer of Adrian Tolbert-- but they need your help to get him off the streets.

Tolbert's aunt says her nephew had just left his mother's east side home next door on Harding Street.  Moments later, the family heard gunshots.  When they ran over, they found Adrian lying on the porch after he had been shot several times.

Now the husband and father of four is dead and Detroit police have just released video of who they may be looking for and they want you to take a good look.

Detroit police say the person of interest was captured on surveillance video at about 1:30 a.m. Monday, walking through the backyard at Adrian Tolbert's home.

The family tells FOX 2 the man does not look familiar, which leaves more questions for a grieving mother who found her 35-year-old son shot to death.

"You don't know what it is like to stand there, to be helpless and watch your child die," said Betty Tolbert, the victim's mother. "No one should have to go through this. No one. So whoever you are, you need to turn yourself in."

The man seen on video is described as a black man, light complexion, last seen wearing a white T-shirt, basketball shorts, and white gym shoes.

"I'm sad, but then I'm angry," said Brenda Bines, Tolbert's aunt. "Like who did this?!"

Bines said at the time of the shooting his family was at the house.

"His wife and son, his baby (and) his son which I think is about 3 (years old), were inside the home."

Tolbert's aunt spoke about her nephew.

"He wasn't a drug dealer," Bines said. "He wasn't out here doing things you don't have any business doing. He was a father, four children. He was a working man who took care of his family, his home."

"For someone to just walk up senselessly and to kill him ...," said Betty Tolbert, overcome by emotion.

If you recognize the person police are looking for, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP to remain anonymous, or call Detroit police at (313) 596-5200.