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Mounting frustration over the lack of significant developments in the investigation of Daniel Watts’ murder has led the Watts family to take matters into their own hands. This morning, Lydia Watts, mother of the slain 22-year-old Wayne State student, issued a public statement criticizing the Detroit Police Department’s handling of the case and announcing that the family has retained a private investigator to conduct an independent inquiry.
“We haven’t heard anything from the DPD in days,” Watts told reporters gathered outside the family’s home. “They keep telling us to be patient, but patience won’t bring my son back, and it won’t find whoever did this. If the police won’t give us answers, we’ll find them ourselves.”
The Watts family has hired Andrew Black, a private investigator with a reputation for solving difficult and unconventional cases. Black, who previously made headlines during a high-profile missing persons case two years ago, is known for his unorthodox methods and a knack for uncovering hidden truths. While some praised his effectiveness, others questioned the strange circumstances surrounding several of his past investigations.
A former Detroit Police detective, Black left the force under unclear circumstances nearly a decade ago. He has since developed a reputation as a PI willing to tackle cases that others might shy away from, though whispers of his involvement in "odd" or "unexplainable" cases have followed him throughout his career. “It’s good to know the Watts family has someone like Black on their side,” said Charles Harding, a former client who credits Black with solving his daughter’s disappearance. “He doesn’t just stop at the obvious—he digs deeper than anyone else. If anyone can get to the bottom of this, it’s him.”
Meanwhile, public pressure on the Detroit Police Department continues to increase, with calls for transparency and faster action dominating local news and social media. Midtown residents have expressed concerns about the safety of the neighborhood, with some pointing out that few additional patrols have been seen in the days following the murder.
A protest is scheduled to take place outside DPD’s Midtown precinct on Saturday, led by local community organizers demanding justice for Daniel Watts and greater police accountability. Several city council members have also weighed in, calling on the department to provide more frequent updates on the investigation. “We want answers, and we want to feel safe,” said one protest organizer, who asked to remain anonymous. “The police need to step up, or they’ll lose the trust of this community entirely.”
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Detective Samuel Wright and the DPD’s ability to bring clarity to this increasingly high-profile case. In a brief statement to the press, Wright acknowledged the community’s frustration but offered no new details. “We understand how difficult this is for the family and the community, and we’re doing everything we can,” Wright said. “We ask for continued patience as we follow every lead.” Whether Wright’s team or Black's will be the first to break the case remains to be seen. For now, the Midtown community continues to grapple with fear, grief, and a growing sense of uncertainty.