Detroit, MI — A community gathered on Saturday to mourn and remember Jaret Mays, a father of seven, whose life was tragically cut short in a shooting incident on July 4. The 35-year-old was commemorated during a heartfelt candlelight vigil on the east side of Detroit, the neighborhood he proudly called home.
Lorie Mays, Jaret’s aunt, expressed her grief at the vigil, highlighting the profound loss felt by the family and community. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone with so much life ahead of them taken so suddenly,” she said. Lorie, along with friends and family, recounted stories of Jaret’s kindness, his role as a loving father, and his positive impact on those around him.
The grieving relatives and friends who attended the vigil underscored Jaret’s reputation as a community pillar and a dedicated parent. “He was a very good person, deeply loved by everyone who knew him—a good dad whose absence leaves a void,” Lorie added.
Jaret was fatally shot at his apartment complex in nearby Clinton Township, leaving the community in shock. According to his cousin Rod Walker, Jaret was a man of strong character, well-loved and respected for his dedication and passion in everything he pursued. “He was not just a family member but a role model for many of us,” Walker stated.
Jaret Mays led a multifaceted life, balancing multiple responsibilities and passions. Lorie Mays shared that apart from his job at Chrysler, Jaret was also a trained nurse and skilled tradesman. He owned a business called Shoe Solutions and held various positions ranging from working at UPS to Beaumont hospital. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his trades were as evident as his dedication to his family.
The vigil also served as an occasion for the family to seek justice for Jaret’s untimely death. “We are pleading for those who know something to come forward. It’s crucial to speak up now, to help bring the responsible party to justice,” Lorie urged. She expressed the family’s profound sorrow and the imperative need for accountability, emphasizing that Jaret’s children deserved answers and closure.
Authorities are actively seeking information that could lead to solving the case. The Clinton Township Police Investigation Bureau has urged anyone with any leads to make contact, promising confidentiality and seeking the community’s assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The story of Jaret Mays, while heartbreakingly tragic, is also a poignant reminder of the indelible mark a single individual can leave on a community. Even in his absence, Jaret’s legacy of love, dedication, and service continues to inspire those who knew him and the broader community he served. As the investigation continues, there is a collective hope for justice and a resolve to honor his memory by upholding the values he lived by.