DETROIT – Desmond Burks, 35, was sentenced Friday to 35 to 60 years in prison for the murder of Detroit neurosurgeon Dr. Devon Hoover, despite telling the court, “Just since I took the plea don’t mean I did it.” He also received a sentence of 10 to 15 years for the death of Reda Saleh, stemming from a separate road rage incident, resulting in a minimum of 45 years in jail, according to reports from the sentencing hearing.
Dr. Hoover, 53, was found dead on April 23, 2023, at his home in Detroit’s Boston-Edison Historic District. He was a neurosurgeon at Ascension Hospital at the time of his death. His body was discovered wrapped in a carpet in a crawl space, having been shot twice in the back of the head, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
Burks initially denied any involvement in Hoover’s death for nearly three years, until entering a guilty plea on January 22, 2026, just as jury selection was about to begin. The plea agreement saw a first-degree murder charge dropped in exchange for guilty pleas to second-degree murder and several other felony charges related to the Hoover case, as well as charges stemming from the death of Saleh.
Saleh, 67, of Dearborn, died a month after being punched by Burks following a traffic incident on April 17, 2024. Police reported that Saleh’s vehicle had bumped the back of Burks’ car, leading to a confrontation where Burks allegedly punched Saleh and left him lying in the street with a serious head injury.
During the sentencing hearing, family members of both victims addressed the court. Hoover’s sister, Lila Graber, described the devastating impact of her brother’s death, which occurred just four days before their mother died. She spoke of the family’s grief, having to plan two funerals in a single week. Reports indicate Burks smirked and shook his head during her statement.
The stepdaughter of Reda Saleh described him as a gentle, religious, and hardworking man who was the cornerstone of his family and a caregiver for his disabled wife. Despite their pain, both families largely expressed forgiveness towards Burks, and even compassion for his mother.
Burks, however, displayed a defiant demeanor throughout the proceedings, smirking, rolling his eyes, and picking at his cuticles during the victim impact statements. He addressed the court before sentencing, maintaining his innocence. “I’m not a murderer and not a killer,” he stated. “I didn’t intentionally mean to kill the guy in the road rage… It was a slap, not assault. About the doctor stuff? Just because I took the plea don’t mean I did it.” He also denied allegations of homosexuality and gang affiliation.
Burks’ defense attorney apologized to the families. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy revealed that the investigation into Hoover’s death spanned five states and three countries, involving 71 officers, 87 witness interviews, and the review of over 2 terabytes of cellphone data. The investigation began after officers responded to a report of a Range Rover blocking a driveway on April 22, 2023, discovering what appeared to be blood inside the vehicle, which was registered to Hoover.
A welfare check was requested on April 23, 2023, after Hoover failed to appear for a planned visit with his dying mother. Police discovered Hoover’s body during the check. Investigators later determined that Burks had been paid by Hoover for sexual services, and that text messages between the two men established an intimate relationship. Authorities also found evidence linking Burks to the theft of Hoover’s cash and valuables, including two Cartier watches.
Burks was initially questioned by police shortly after Hoover’s death but released. He was later arrested in connection with Saleh’s death and subsequently charged in the Hoover case. A competency exam in March 2025 determined Burks was fit to stand trial.
