A little over a week ago, the lives of one family were changed forever. Now they are hoping someone in the community can help bring them one step closer to closure.
Wednesday, William Buckner would have turned 48-years-old. Now, his family is forced to celebrate his birthday, without him.
“He was very family oriented and I just wanted to bring the family together, because I know that’s what he would have wanted,” said William’s daughter Breshawna Buckner.
On Friday, May 6th, William was at home along Ferry street in Pontiac, when someone tried to break into his home. According to his fiance, Lisa McDonald, he stepped outside to check things out.
As he attempted to walk down they street, several shots could be heard. William collapsed in front of a St Mary statue in a neighbor’s front yard.
“For what? I can’t tell you,” said William Buckner Jr. “He’s been here for the longest. I can’t tell you.”
“Everyone loved him - kids, community,” said McDonald. “Everyone was his family. That’s what made me fall in love with him, because the love he had for everyone and everyone had for him.”
Williams worked as a machine operator for Flexible Products and was father of four. Loved ones say he had no enemies.
“I would never have though that gun violence would have been the way my dad would have died,” said Breshawna Buckner.
Right now, no one has been arrested for his murder.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard told 7 Action News there is a man in custody who they believe is responsible, but he was arrested on other charges. Investigators still need the public’s help to charge him with murder.
Family members are hoping someone does the right thing and comes forward with information about this crime.
“Please, for the children so they can have peace with this because they are hurting very bad,” said William’s son’s mother. “So someone please, just speak up.”
The family is having trouble paying for funeral costs. If you would like to help them, visit https://dm2.gofund.me/23s57fvk.
