Reward Offered For Tips In Murder Of Soldier In Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) - Family and friends of a murdered member of the Army National Guard have turned to Crime Stoppers and the public for help.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Chrystal Knight reported 48-year-old Quinton Thomas served three tours of duty in the Middle East and survived, but 15 days after he came home he was killed.
Thomas was found the morning of September 10, shot to death on the porch of an abandoned home on Virginia Park on Detroit's west side.
Detroit Police Investigator Charles Weaver said they believe Thomas was killed for his money.
"We believe that the motive of the homicide was a robbery. He was known to have a large amount of cash on his person on the day before. That information was confirmed by friends who he was associating and had fellowship with," Weaver said.
Thomas' widow Joyce said her husband was carrying cash to fix their roof, and she believes he was robbed and killed by someone he knew.
Lt. Ross Wallace was his friend and fellow soldier.
"He was very active with the National Guard and the community volunteering in our pilot program for Angels Night, being in the neighborhood, careers days at schools," Wallace said.
"You name it. He was part of it. You could really rely on him as a soldier. He'll be greatly missed," Wallace said.
Speaking to reporter Thursday, Thomas' daughter Kayana Sharpe made a plea to witnesses as well as to her father's killer.
"I pray that you would come forward. My family needs closure. I'm pretty sure that you need closure too if you did it or you know who did it," she said.
A $2,500 reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers 3 ways: Send a text to 274637 or CRIMES, by phone 1-800-SPEAK UP, or online at www.1800speakup.org.
