Industry / Retail

Michigan Jeweler Killed, But Motive Is Unclear

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On Wednesday, Daniel “Hutch” Hutchinson, owner of Hutch’s Jewelry and HJ Pawn and Exchange in Oak Park, Mich., died from multiple gunshot wounds after being ambushed in the parking shop of his store, according to the local department of public safety.

Police tried CPR to revive Hutchinson, but he died on the way to the hospital. An unnamed suspect fled the scene but has been arrested for the crime, the department said.

Local authorities confirmed media coverage that reported Hutchinson was leaving his pawnshop parking lot in his SUV, when he was shot at least 12 times. His wife was also in the vehicle, but she was not injured.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance tells JCK it does not know “a motive at this time.” From initial reports, it appears to be yet another instance of out-of-control gun violence.

“This was not a random event, it was targeted,” Oak Park Police Lt. Marlon Benson told Fox 2. “As far as reasons, we don’t know why he was targeted, but we don’t think this was an isolated event.”

He noted it does not appear that the gunman and Hutchinson exchanged words.

“Nothing in the investigation says that these people…might have had a bad beef towards each other,” he said.

Hutchinson’s store sold “the flashiest diamonds and chains to rappers and performers,” such as rapper Rick Ross, said Fox 2.

“It’s a blow to the city,” Felando Merriweather, CEO and founder of the Hip-Hop Lab, told the station, “and it’s out of nowhere.”

Added Benson: “He had a lot of customers that loved him, but as we know, he was a father and a husband, so our hearts go out to the immediate family, and we want to bring them closure in this case.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at either 248-691-7511 or 248-691-7513.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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By: Rob Bates

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