A man prosecutors say shot prominent Detroit neurosurgeon Devon Hoover twice in the head in the doctor's mansion in April 2023 before stealing over $95,000 in cash and valuables pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing, halting what was projected to be a six-week, high-profile trial.
Desmond Burks had previously been charged with first-degree murder. Before entering his guilty plea on Wednesday, Jan. 21, Burks sat in court for the second day of jury selection, slouching in his seat. He avoided prosecutors rehashing – and diving deeper – into the evidence against him in what authorities alleged was a killing driven by jealousy.
First, he envied Hoover's wealth. Burks had no money, no job – aside from selling pills and charging people for sex – and leeched off of several lovers, including Hoover, whom he would also charge for sex, authorities said. Hoover lived in a mansion and had two Cartier watches, among other luxuries.
Second, Burks was jealous that the doctor invited another man he had picked up at Palmer Park to watch him and Burks have sex, Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Glynne previously argued during Burks' preliminary examination in June, where a judge ruled there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.
