DETROIT (WWJ) - The identity of a man whose body was found on a Southfield freeway earlier this week was released by family members who are urging anyone with information to speak up.
The victim was identified as 22-year-old John Williams, a U.S. Marine veteran who had moved back home and was working as a chef in Detroit at the time of this death.
The young man was discovered fatally shot on the ramp from northbound Southfield Freeway (M-39) to I-96 around 3:30 a.m. by Michigan State Police on Jan. 23.
According to authorities, no vehicles were found in the vicinity, and it remains unclear whether Williams was shot at the scene or if the deadly injury was inflicted elsewhere and his body discarded on the ramp.
Williams' family members are still reeling after finding out about Williams' death and said they cannot imagine why someone would shoot him, but have come forward to help catch those responsible.
"It was nothing done on that freeway," one relative told FOX 2. "He was dumped, like some trash. Whoever did this shot him in the head, which is an instant kill, and dumped him."
The family said they wish to remain anonymous for now as police continue their investigation and hopefully make an arrest.
"We don’t know who did this, we don’t know if they are part of the gang," they added.
MSP is spearheading the investigation and have asked anyone with any information about the incident to call MSP at 855-MICH-TIP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up.
The family has also asked the public to come forward.
"If you know anything, would you please allow your heart to think about if this was you in the situation," a family member said.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover funeral costs.
"No one should be treated like this," family members wrote on the crowdfunding page. "If you can find it in your heart to help us to lay him to rest. Thank you for your help!"