Detroit Mother Makes Veterans Day Plea For Tips In Son's Murder
DETROIT (WWJ) - A grieving mother is making an impassioned plea for help to find those responsible for the death of her son — a Naval officer who was gunned down nearly two years ago in Detroit.
Petty Officer Second Class Terrence Hill, Jr., who grew up in Detroit, survived six years and two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy, only to be robbed and killed while home on leave a two-day leave on Jan. 4, 2013.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $20,000 if the tip leading to an arrest comes in before midnight Tuesday.
Speaking to WWJ's Vickie Thomas on Veterans Day, Hill's mom said she believes someone knows something that can help solve this case.
"I would just say speak up, because it's sad that...every day there's a mother like me crying and having to talk about losing her child," Julia Spencer said. "It's unfortunate and it's not fair."
Hill was sitting in his Ford pickup truck Manor at 7 Mile Road on the city's west side when police say two men walked up and robbed him and a woman he was with. Police said the robbers wrestled Hill to the ground,and pistol whipped him repeatedly before shooting him in the chest. His wallet, phone and Timberland boots were stolen.
The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, with a dark complexion, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a small build. He was wearing a black skull-cap with a white line on it. The suspect's driver was dressed in all white.
To her son's killer, Spencer said:
"Please, turn yourself in," she said. "I'm not at the point right now when I can say I forgive...I'm not gonna lie and say that I can, because I miss my baby. We all are suffering and it's just hard."
"Just turn yourself in; you can't run forever."
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP (1-800-773-2587). As always, tipsters to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous.
