Reward Offered For Tips In Murder Near Casino
DETROIT (WWJ) - Crime Stoppers Michigan is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identity of two men who attacked and fatally stabbed 30-year-old Scott Groat in downtown Detroit early in the morning on December 18.
Detroit Police Officer Eric Kimble said Groat, a Wyandotte tattoo artist, was murdered after leaving a private party at MGM Grand Detroit. It happened at Grand River and Bagley at around 4 a.m., a few blocks away from the casino.
"There was an uncorroborated report that someone was getting harassed and Mr. Groat stepped in to intervene in that harassment," Kimble told reporters Thursday. "And that's what led to the first verbal altercation between him and this group individuals."
Groat's mother, Mary Groat, said that her son was just that kind of guy.
"That's exactly how Scott was. If he'd seen or heard of an argument he would try to calm it down. He would not have seen somebody else being hurt in any way," she said.
Pauline Huckestien said Groat adored their one-year-old daughter.
"Scott was a good guy and Harley was his world," said Huckestien. "The only thing we have left is to bring justice so that when we have to tell Harley of the horrific murder of her father, we can tell her they're in jail."
"It means the world to us that somebody speaks up, because somebody knows something," she said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detroit Police or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-SPEAK UP. You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637).
