Man fatally shot outside vacant Detroit home was mentally ill, family says

DETROIT (WJBK) - The family of a 41-year-old man found dead outside a vacant Detroit home needs help putting the killer behind bars.

Jerry Denman was homeless and struggling with mental health issues.

"It's heartbreaking," said his sister Denise Denman.

He was shot and killed, found outside a home on Maddelein near Seven Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, where he grew up. His sister says everyone on the block knew her brother and believes his killer did too.

"They shot him more than once. They shot him multiple times," Denise said.

Denman, referred to as Doug, struggled to maintain a normal life and was forced to live on the streets because of his mental illness.

His sister chose to focus on the happy memories she cherishes.Those memories are now all she has left.

"When he was in his right mind and had his right sense, he was so kind and loving, smiled, laughed and cracked jokes," she said.

Denman had two daughters who he loved dearly.

All this family wants is justice and to get this killer off the streets.

Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a cash reward up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

You will remain anonymous and rewards are paid when tips lead to arrest, but they do not wait for a conviction.