Mom pleads for answers in son's Detroit death after months of silence

DETROIT (WJBK) - The scene of the crime: around 3:20 a.m. on August 15, 2017 at the corner of Hubbell and West Outer Drive. 

Forty-two-year-old Larry Darden: a passenger in a 2002 silver Chrysler Sebring traveling with a woman. When they make a stop at this intersection, another vehicle pulls up and opens fire.

Both victims are hit. The 28-year-old woman survives. Larry Darden does not. 

"What we are going through, is trying to understand what happened, and why."

Not having those answers, Larry's mother is speaking out but wants to keep her identity concealed, fearful of the unknown. 

"We're careful because we don't know who the actual perpetrator is. And I'm going to say perpetrators, because, it was more than one. Do I have proof of that? No, I don't, but I know it in my heart and my spirit. Yes I do."

Due to the circumstances, police strongly believe Darden and the other victim were targeted and followed, leading up to the gunfire. Evidence recovered at the scene includes eight 40 caliber shell casings on the ground. One witness told police they heard 3-4 gunshots and spotted the car swerving in the street before stopping on the grass -- but no one got a good look at anyone in the other vehicle. 

Several months later, no one has spoken to investigators. 

"How is it that over 400 people can come to his service, his homegoing service, yet, no one speaks? That's a community, over 400 people; that's a community. That means somebody knows something," his mother says. 

The streets definitely talk, but, in this case, the streets are not talking to police. 

"It's the saddest thing if our community doesn't find a voice, and be strong enough and courageous enough to speak. That's why I'm here today, is just to say, I'm courageous enough to speak."

If anyone out there knows anything about what happened to Larry, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. You will be anonymous.