Update of Friday article
Over 1,000 people touched by this past week’s ambush shooting that killed a 40-year-old police officer have given about $66,000 to help his widow, son and daughter.
Kristine and Loren Courts married in 2011. (Photo: Facebook)
“The family needs time to heal and process his loss without having to worry about bills, groceries and other costs,” a sister-in-law of Loren Courts posts with a GoFundMe appeal that exceeded its $50,000 goal in under two days.
More than four dozen benefactors give $200 or more, including three $1,000 gifts.
“All money donated will go to raising his children,” says Melissa Robinson, the relative who started the drive.
Courts was fatally wounded Wednesday evening as he and a partner pulled up to a west-side apartment building, responding to a 911 call about gunfire. Minutes later, another officer killed a 19-year-old suspect as he left the building with a semi-automatic pistol loaded with a 30-round magazine.
“This world really needs to change and these senseless guns need to go,” Robinson posted the next day. “There shouldn’t be assault rifles that civilians can purchase.”
The law enforcer “leaves behind his wife Kristine and two children, ages 15 and 9,” the widow’s sister adds at GoFundMe.
Kristine and Loren were married 11 years and built a beautiful family and life together. …
Loren was a Detroit Police officer of 5 years. He followed in his father’s footsteps. He loved serving his community.
His wife Kristine, son Darian (15) and daughter Devyn (9) called him their Batman! They have a long road ahead of them as they navigate these hard times. …
Please keep … our officers close to your heart. If you have the means to donate, we appreciate it. Nothing will bring Loren back, but reducing the costs will allow Kristine to be with her kids.
(Graphic: Detroit Police Department)
In an update on Friday night, the relative thanks contributors for “the overwhelming love and support,” adding:
“Thank you all for being so kind in such a hard time. Kristine and the kids are taking it minute by minute. Loren’s parents and siblings are also grieving and processing his loss. …
“The kids are struggling and try to make sense of how they move forward. We appreciate every single person that has reached out, sent thoughts and prayers.”
Separately, the the Detroit Public Safety Foundation also is collecting donations and says on social media: “100% of the proceeds will go toward expenses for the family.”
Its page for tax-deductible gifts leads to a drop-down option with “DPD – Officer Courts Memorial Fund” as the second choice under “DPSF – All Programs.”
► GoFundMe page
Earlier coverage:
Slain Detroit officer Loren Courts’ widow and officials post tributes to ‘an amazing dad’
