Murdered Greektown security guard and staple of downtown Detroit honored at vigil

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Tears shed over loss of Detroit security guard and friend of Greektown patrons

Daryll Straughter was a sight most saw during their trips down to Greektown. A staple of the community who protected those who visited, he died after breaking up a fight at a liquor store during a violent evening in Detroit.

You could be having the worst day, but if it ended with a "Daryll Hug" then it would feel alright.

"Incredibly respectful and just the most caring individual," said one woman describing Daryll Straughter.

Straughter was a staple of the downtown Detroit scene. He'd seen everything during his tenure as a security guard in Greektown. For those that had frequented the popular night-life scene, they likely had seen him too.

And then he was shot and killed while breaking up a fight two weekends ago

His loss sent waves through the community, many who knew Straughter as a protector. He was "basically an honorary police officer of Detroit," said another woman. "He had their backs as no other."

Friends of Straughter paid homage to him during a vigil on April 23, where they lit candles, held a balloon release, and recalled their meetings with him.

Daryll Straughter

A Detroit couple were charged in Straughter's killing after a 33-year-old man allegedly shot him in the chest. The suspect had gotten in a fight over someone cutting a line at a liquor store on April 15. 

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Travis Irving and Kay Christian, 34, were both arrested days after the shooting.