DETROIT (WJBK) -- Three days into the New Year and the senseless murders are already stacking up. 48-year-old Tyrone Hitchcock was brutally killed just 30 minutes before the end of his shift. His passenger, a 46-year-old woman, was also shot. But police say Hitchcock, the woman and the male suspect were all in the car and they all knew each other.
"He's a very nice guy, family man, [came] to work six days a week, and came to make his living and he ended up shot and dead in the city of Detroit," said Nabil Faraj.
He owns Metropolitan Cab, the company Hitchcock was working for. In a teary eyed, early morning interview, he expressed his sympathy to the family. He wasn't sure why Hitchcock was in the area because there was no call to Sunderland on the books. After the shooting, police say the gunman stole the car before ditching it near Mack and St. Antoine.
"He just wanted to work as all of us do to support our families," said co-worker Jerry Hollis.
Hitchcock had a brother, two sisters, a daughter, three grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.
"I'm lost for words," said daughter Tykia Tyson. "He did not deserve it. He was such a cool person, like I love him. I cannot believe it happened to him."
But it's happened to nearly half a dozen cab drivers in just the past few months.
"We've got to deal with a lot. We've got to watch people trying to rob us, police constantly harassing us. It's sad. It's a very sad day for us," Hollis said.
"Yes, I'm angry," said sister Vivian Hitchcock. "I've been angry ever since December 31. Just before New Year's even came in, they shot my dog and now... my brother [is] gone."
"They just need to get rid of the guns, period."
The female victim was in critical condition at last check.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.