A Michigan man accused of killing a prominent Detroit neurosurgeon abruptly took a plae deal this week, two days into jury selection for his trial.
Desmond Burks, initially charged with first degree murder, pleaded guilty to second degree murder, larceny, using a computer to commit a crime, and a weapons charge, WXYZ reported. He faces 35 to 60 years in prison on the murder charge when he is sentenced on February 20 and another five years for the weapons charge.
Burks was arrested in August 2024 for the murder of 53-year-old Devon Hoover in his home in April 2023, CrimeOnline reported. Prosecutors said Burks shot Hoover twice in the back of the head, wrapped him in a rug, and shoved his body into an attic in his home, then went on to steal nearly $100,000 in cash and other valuables.
Hoover’s body was found on April 23 after family members requested a welfare check when he failed to appear at a family gathering.
Just months before his arrest for Hoover’s death, Burks was arrested and charged with second degree murder after he allegedly punched a 67-year-old man during a road rage incident and left him on the ground to die. Prosecutors later said they were building the case against him for Hoover’s murder at the time.
In a statement released after Burks’ guilty plea, Hoover’s family said they were “relieved” with the plea, WXYZ said.
“We are glad that a long and difficult trial will not be necessary,” the statement said.
The trial had been expected to last for four to six weeks.
Jury selection for Burks’ trial had begun on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, when he abruptly agreed to the plea deal. His attorney, Gabi Silver, said she was surprised “but at the end of the day, it was his decision.”
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[Featured image: Devon Hoover/Facebook]
