Thursday, November 29 2012 10:42 PM EST2012-11-30 03:42:49 GMT
When we first brought you Annie's story, she was living with no heat in her Detroit home. Thanks to some very generous people, she now has a new furnace.
When we first brought you Annie's story, she was living with no heat in her Detroit home. Thanks to some very generous people, she now has a new furnace.
By Charlie LeDuff Fox 2 News Reporter
DETROIT (WJBK) -- As the holidays approach, we're all reminded to think about those who are less fortunate. That's exactly what's taking place in one Detroit neighborhood. Two people once couldn't stand the sight of each other. Now one is relying on the other for survival.
"My name's Harold.... I'm a retired Detroit fireman. I met Annie in 1971 when I opened a business next door... right off of Gratiot on Conner."
"Her and I have had a love-hate relationship for years. Now she's kind of in dire straights. She lives in a big, old house here that she owns. She has only electricity. She has no water. She has no heat."
"Nobody seems to care. She's 83 years old."
When Harold and Annie where young, they bickered. She was ornery and shot her second husband five times. He lived, but seeing how it was, the second husband moved on and so did the third.
The neighborhood has since fallen down and Annie's grown old. Now she's a shut away and all she's got left is Harold and her cat, Tootsie.
There was a fire a few months ago and Annie was trapped inside. Since then, Harold has taken it upon himself to clear an aisle through her hoarding mania.
"To get in here, you had to grab the railing and pull yourself up. That was part of the debris that I removed out of here so she could get out," Harold said.
"I was thinking if that fire would've (gone) a little further, she would've burned to death because she wouldn't (have) been able to get out of the house."
On many mornings, Harold boards up and barricades the windows where scrappers have crept in and robbed Annie while she sleeps.
Is she afraid?
"No, because I believe in Jesus and he looks after me and I say my prayers every day. That's all I can do."
Is she glad she has Harold?
"Yeah, he comes every day with my coffee and doughnuts and my soup. He does everything for me. I should've married him, but he said I was too old."
Does Harold love Annie?
"I don't know. There's probably some kind of love there. It's more a caring. I care about people. I care about her. Like I said, I don't want (anything) bad to happen to her."
It's growing cold now and Harold worries that Annie won't make it through the winter. He'll bring Thanksgiving dinner from his table. He'll bring that to Annie and a cup of human warmth.
It's been written that you give very little when you only give away possessions. It's when you give of yourself that you truly love.
Annie will be fine. She has Harold. And Harold will be fine, too, because Annie doesn't have a gun anymore.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:25:50 GMT
Following Minister Louis Farrakhan's message on Friday, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff hit the streets to scrounge around for some available investment properties, and guess what he found?
Following Minister Louis Farrakhan's message on Friday, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff hit the streets to scrounge around for some available investment properties, and guess what he found?
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:45 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:45:45 GMT
Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff attended a Detroit City Council meeting. On the agenda, some questions about a developer who is being allowed to take his time paying back a $19-million dollar loan.
On Thursday, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff attended a Detroit City Council meeting. On the meeting agenda, some questions about a developer with connections to city hall who received a letter that told him he was allowed to take his time paying back a $19-million dollar loan.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 11:16 PM EDT2013-05-16 03:16:04 GMT
Dave Bing might run for Wayne County executive, but a condition is the officer holder must be a county resident. Charlie LeDuff decides to help his old buddy out with a few options on where he can live.
Dave Bing might run for Wayne County executive, but a condition is the officer holder must be a county resident. Charlie LeDuff decides to help his old buddy out with a few options on where he can live.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:06 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:06:18 GMT
It has been six weeks since two Detroit police officers were wounded and a suspect killed during a shootout. Now some questions have arisen and they involve Detroit EMS. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff reports.
It has been six weeks since two Detroit police officers were wounded and a suspect killed during a shootout. Now some questions have arisen and they involve Detroit EMS. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff reports.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:40 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:40:39 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Charlie LeDuff: Off The ChainCharlie LeDuff: Off The ChainMore>>
Friday, May 3 2013 6:10 PM EDT2013-05-03 22:10:10 GMT
LeDuff: Let me offer a short list of things acting Bob Mayor Warfield can accomplish in his few remaining days in office. Things that could cement his legacy as one of Detroit's greats.
LeDuff: Let me offer a short list of things acting Bob Mayor Warfield can accomplish in his few remaining days in office. Things that could cement his legacy as one of Detroit's greats.
Sunday, April 21 2013 9:33 AM EDT2013-04-21 13:33:35 GMT
Coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings has been equally breathless and embarrassing. Spot reports from media outlets who once prided themselves on accuracy and reliability have been little better than Twitter feeds.
Coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings has been equally breathless and embarrassing. Spot reports from media outlets who once prided themselves on accuracy and reliability have been little better than Twitter feeds.
Monday, April 15 2013 7:21 AM EDT2013-04-15 11:21:31 GMT
I went to the dentist Friday morning and got my tooth drilled. My head was numb from the Novocain. I needed a place to hide where nobody would notice. I found it: Detroit city hall!
I went to the dentist Friday morning and got my tooth drilled. My head was numb from the Novocain. I needed a place to hide where nobody would notice. I found it: Detroit city hall!
Friday, April 5 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-04-06 00:43:42 GMT
Unknown to the citizens, the police officers and even the emergency manager himself, Interim Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan was quietly conferred full chieftain status.
Unknown to the citizens, the police officers and even the emergency manager himself, Interim Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan -- as he has been called for the past five months since Chief Ralph Godbee was bounced from office -- was quietly conferred full chieftain status.
Monday, April 1 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-04-01 13:07:47 GMT
Emmett Moten owns the Hotel Fort Shelby in Detroit. He owes $170,000 in back property taxes. He has until Monday at 5 p.m. to pay a portion of the back taxes or face foreclosure.
Emmett Moten owns the Hotel Fort Shelby in Detroit. He owes $170,000 in back property taxes. He has until Monday at 5 p.m. to pay a portion of the back taxes or face foreclosure.
Monday, March 25 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-03-25 13:52:46 GMT
Imagine Captain Edward Smith of the Titanic summoning his pursers to the wheelhouse after his ill-fated ship struck the iceberg. "Quickly gentlemen!" he shouts. "Rearrange the deck chairs. Perhaps no one will notice!"
Imagine Captain Edward Smith of the Titanic summoning his pursers to the wheelhouse after his ill-fated ship struck the iceberg. "Quickly gentlemen!" he shouts. "Rearrange the deck chairs. Perhaps no one will notice!"
Monday, March 18 2013 10:12 AM EDT2013-03-18 14:12:24 GMT
Many people are concerned about Belle Isle's future. The EFM is promising not to make any hasty decisions and to review the numbers first, but that could be a problem. There is no Belle Isle budget.
Now that Detroit has an emergency financial manager, a lot of people are concerned about the future of Belle Isle. Kevyn Orr is promising not to make any hasty decisions and to look over the numbers first, but that could be a problem. There is no Belle Isle budget.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 2:19 PM EDT2013-03-12 18:19:44 GMT
LeDuff: I don't know if an emergency manager can work in the city of Detroit. If anyone says different, they are lying. But I have to agree with one Detroiter's view, "Anything's better than what we've got right now."
LeDuff: I don't know if an emergency manager can work in the city of Detroit. If anyone says different, they are lying. But I have to agree with one Detroiter's view, "Anything's better than what we've got right now."
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
