GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids police are trying to find out who killed 42-year-old Rick Hammad. He was killed on the city’s southeast side, Friday night.
According to witnesses, the Kentwood resident was shot several times. Those witnesses said Hammad`s vehicle traveled down Dickinson Street and came to a stop after hitting a wooden pole at Linden Street.
Soon after, bystanders found Hammad laying next to his vehicle on the passenger side. As he lay bleeding heavily, witnesses said Hammad uttered, `I`m hurt, I`m hurt.’ He also said, `Three guys, three guys.’ However, he then lost consciousness, and the bystanders didn’t learn anything more.
Hammad died at the hospital. Now police are trying to figure out what happened Friday night, and his family is grieving the loss of a loving father.
His family released this statement Saturday night:
“The Hammad family is struggling to find understanding and garner strength during this enormously difficult time. We are getting support from friends and family and trusting in God. Rick was a family man in every sense of the word, loved by his children and wife, admired by all. His generosity and soft-hearted nature will never be forgotten. We pray that no other family feels the pain that we now feel, and we pray for peace in our communities.”
The Kent County court docket shows that Hammad was due in court September 25th. According to Mlive, Hammad’s court date stems from a raid at the ‘purple med’ medical marijuana dispensary.
At the same time, family and friends of a teenage victim of violence in Grand Rapids gathered to remember him near division and Burton, Saturday afternoon.
Carlos Martinez was killed at the age of 18. His family said he was trying to get his life on the right track. He died June 30th.
“Today he would have been his 19th birthday, and we`re here to celebrate that because he lives in our hearts forever,” Vanita Key, Martinez`s grandmother said.
While the shooting was senseless, Key said she`s been praying that her grandson`s death would not be in vain. She’s hoping other young people can focus on education and avoid getting caught up in the streets.
Like Hammad`s relatives, the family of Carlos Martinez are left wondering who murdered their loved one. For Martinez`s father, nearly three months with no answers has been far too long.
“I just want to know what`s going on. Have anyone heard anything? Any suspects been brought forth? So many different little stories but nothing that`s concrete,” Roy James, Martinez’s father said.
Anyone with information on either crime is asked to call the Grand Rapids Police Department or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
