Michigan Man Sentenced for Murdering Neurosurgeon, Another Victim

Desmond Burks will serve 35 to 60 years for the killings of Dr. Devon Hoover and Reda Saleh.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 6:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 35-year-old Michigan man, Desmond Burks, was sentenced to 35 to 60 years in prison for the murders of renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Devon Hoover in 2023 and Reda Saleh about a year later in Detroit. Burks pleaded guilty to several charges, including second-degree murder, larceny, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Despite the plea deal, Burks remained defiant, smiling and waving for the cameras during his sentencing.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tragic loss of two lives and the need for accountability, even when defendants attempt to downplay their actions. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent repeat offenders from committing violent crimes.

The details

Burks was a convicted arsonist who was released from prison in the summer of 2022. Months later, he murdered Dr. Hoover, a renowned neurosurgeon, and stuffed his body in the attic crawl space of Hoover's Detroit mansion. About a year after that, Burks encountered Reda Saleh on a Detroit road, got angry when Saleh bumped his car, and punched Saleh in the head, leading to Saleh's death.

  • In April 2023, Burks murdered Dr. Devon Hoover.
  • About a year later, in April 2024, Burks encountered Reda Saleh and punched him, leading to Saleh's death on May 11, 2024.

The players

Desmond Burks

A 35-year-old Michigan man who pleaded guilty to the murders of Dr. Devon Hoover and Reda Saleh.

Dr. Devon Hoover

A renowned neurosurgeon who was murdered by Desmond Burks in 2023.

Reda Saleh

A 67-year-old man who was killed by Desmond Burks in 2024 after a confrontation on a Detroit road.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My name is Desmond Burks. I'd like to say I'm not a murderer. I'm not a killer. I'm just a regular person just like everyone in this room… I'm not a gang member. I love sports. I'm a people person… Just because I took the plea don't mean I did it.”

— Desmond Burks (WDIV)

“Quite frankly, you are a murderer, sir.”

— Judge Paul Cusick, Circuit Court Judge (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow Burks out on bail is expected on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for the criminal justice system to better address repeat offenders and prevent them from committing further violent crimes, even after they have been released from prison.