Neurosurgeon's secret life ends in tragedy as doctor is found murdered

A man is being charged with first-degree murder for the death of Dr. Devon Hoover, a 53-year-old neurosurgeon, authorities in Detroit revealed.  Authorities revealed at a press briefing earlier this month that Dr. Hoover was murdered by a man he had an “intimate relationship” with.

Hoover's body was found on April 23, 2023, hidden in the attic crawl space of his Detroit residence. He had been shot twice in the head and was found wrapped in a bloody carpet, wearing only socks on his feet, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. The discovery happened when authorities conducted a wellness check at Hoover's home, requested by his relatives due to his absence in visiting his dying mother in Indiana.

Cellphone records show that Desmond Burks, had an intimate relationship with the doctor, according to Worthy. Cellphone data revealed around 4,000 text messages between the two men. "On occasion, Desmond Burks would charge Dr. Hoover for these sexual services, Worthy said.

On the day of the murder, records show]Hoover's phone traveled between his home and the area near Burks' residence multiple times. After the killing, Hoover's phone, wallet, and two designer watches valued at $6,000 and $7,500 were stolen from his residence. One of the watches was purchased just a day before the murder. Prosecutors claim unauthorized purchases drained funds from the victim's bank accounts.

"Physical evidence was discovered  directly linking Dr. Hoover's property to Desmond Burks on the day of the homicide," Worthy said. Burks faces first-degree premeditated murder, a felony in possession of a firearm, and larceny of over $20,000 in value.

Separately, Burks faces a second-degree murder charge tied to a deadly road rage incident from May.

"Although nothing will ever reverse our loss, we are grateful that someone will be held accountable for Devon's death," Hoover's family said in a statement. They describes him as "an exceptional man" who touched the lives of others with his unwavering kindness and generosity.