A 24-year-old man was brutally beaten to death shortly after a seemingly minor car accident early July 22 in Detroit, Michigan.
Police are seeking the public’s help in finding the suspect.
Tyler Wingate, 24, was driving a 2011 Buick Regal, and Lawrence James Davis, 23, was believed to have been in a 2007 Chevy Impala when the two vehicles collided on Detroit’s west side, Fox 2 Detroit reported.
Police say that when Wingate got out of his vehicle—most likely to check the damage from the collision—the suspect, believed to have been Davis, severely beat him. Wingate was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance video footage from gas station nearby captured the attack. Police are seeking Davis, who is believed to be the man in the surveillance video who attacked Wingate.
In the video, most of which is too graphic to show, Wingate had tried to get up from the ground after the first punch, which was to the head, but was unsuccessful and he had to endure more punches and kicks as he lay on the ground, Fox 2 Detroit reported. A witness pulled the attacker off of Wingate but the attacker then tried to hit the witness.
Witness Juan Williams told the news station: “It’s terrible. That could be anybody’s family member. You don’t want that to happen to anyone … It’s unfortunate, very unfortunate. No one wants to see a life lost.”
Police released a photo of Davis late Monday.
Davis fled with three other men on foot and left the Impala behind at the scene, police said.
It is not clear whether these three men were involved in beating Wingate.
Police have not indicated what may have led to the crash, or whether there was anything that had prompted the beating.
It is not clear whether Wingate and Davis had known each other before the attack.
The young victim’s family has appealed for support via a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $26,000.
“Just before 2 a.m. on July 22nd, 2019, our friend, brother, nephew, son, Tyler was brutally beaten to death on Detroit’s Westside,” the message on the fundraiser page read.
“Tyler was known for his contagious smile, constant good spirit and loving character. All of Oakland county knows and loves the Wingate family.
“Though the loss of Tyler will never be easy, help for the costs of the funeral, etc will allow one less thing for the Wingate family to think about during this time of grieving.”
A friend of Wingate’s family told Click on Detroit that the young man enjoyed the outdoors and played basketball, and that he will be missed by family and many friends.
Detroit Police Department asks that if anyone recognizes Lawrence James Davis, or has any information pertaining to this crime, please call the Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 313-596-2260.
