Person of interest ID’d in homicide, hospitalized
Authorities have identified a person of interest in the fatal shooting of a Southfield husband and father, Fredric Hudson, 48, gunned down outside his home Sunday at around 7:50 p.m.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren hasn’t released the person’s name, but said he is a 25-yearold male with a “significant” criminal history and ties to Southfield.
While he hasn’t yet revealed a possible motive, Barren said the shooting was not random and Hudson was targeted in the attack.
The person of interest fled the scene in Hudson’s car, a white 2013 Toyota Tundra. Police are looking for the vehicle, with the Michigan license plate CPA-1749.
Police initially had reported the incident as a carjacking.
Barren also said that while the investigation continues, he’s confident the case will be solved before long.
“Rest assured, justice is coming,” Barren said. “Allow us to do our work, and justice is coming to this family.”
The person of interest is hospitalized in critical condition after reportedly being shot by Hudson in an exchange of gunfire which left Hudson fatally wounded in the driveway of his home in the 26000 block of Primary Drive, in the Tyler Estates II subdivision near 12 Mile Rd. and Northwestern Highway.
Barren said the person of interest showed up at an area hospital 22 minutes after the shooting, with gunshot wounds to the neck and chest.
According to Barren, home surveillance video shows Hudson pulling into his driveway that evening and staying in his car for a few moments when a vehicle occupied by at least three people drove up and then exited their car.
One person approached the driver’s side of Hudson’s vehicle, armed with a handgun, and the two fired at each other.
Barren said it’s unclear who fired first.
The suspect fell on the ground after being shot but continued firing his gun as the others fled in their vehicle, Barren said.
The suspect can then be seen removing Hudson from the Toyota and driving away in it.
Barren declined comment on where Hudson had been prior to being followed on Sunday.
No charges have been filed so far against the suspect, now considered the person of interest. Barren said his criminal background includes arrests in 2013 for armed robbery in Redford and in 2019 for carjacking but he was not convicted for either.
Devoted, respected
Barren described Hudson as “a devoted husband, a devoted father and a respected businessman” who owned a real estate-related company, and that neighbors told investigators he was well-liked.
Barren said investigators have speculated that Hudson, who had a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon, knew he had been followed home and that his actions were intended to protect himself and his family.
“He had a lot of courage,” Barren said. “Obviously, he knew something was unfolding and responded very quickly, displaying courage and trying to defend himself the best he could.”
Barren also expressed compassion and empathy for Barren’s wife.
“I feel her pain and her anger. We’re going to give her justice,” he said.
Hudson had no criminal history, Barren said.
Partnering with the Southfield Police Department in the investigation is the United States Secret Service, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the Detroit Police Department’s Crime Intelligence Unit.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Southfield Police Detective Tyler Veil at 248-796-5461.
A GoFundMe account is set up to help the family with funeral expenses. To donate, go to https://tinyurl.com/ya8psr3.