Two teenage suspects have been arrested in connection with a tragic drive-by shooting at a playground in Michigan that resulted in the deaths of an unarmed 18-year-old and a 4-year-old child.
Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Brandon Ware, 18, and William Wheeler, 19, face multiple charges in connection with the incident.
Details of the Tragic Shooting
The shooting took place on June 27 at Skinner Playfield, near Denby High School in Detroit. The victims were 18-year-old Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey and 4-year-old Samir Grubbs.
The shooting also wounded a third individual, a 17-year-old, who has not been named. According to investigators, the deadly incident occurred after a previous altercation on a bus, where a male allegedly removed Ware’s ski mask.
Afterward, Ware, with Wheeler driving, reportedly drove to the playground where the shooting took place. Ware fired shots at people he believed were involved in the earlier bus dispute.
Tragically, Shelmonson-Bey and Grubbs were fatally struck during the shooting. Grubbs, who was at the park with his mother and four siblings, was trying to protect another child at the time.
Charges Against the Suspects
Both Brandon Ware and William Wheeler have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of assault with intent to murder, two counts of discharge from a vehicle causing death, one count of discharge from a vehicle causing serious injury, and five felony firearm charges. These charges follow the deaths of the two victims and the injuries to the 17-year-old.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy expressed her sorrow over the tragic event, saying, “This is truly an American tragedy, and hopefully it is not one that will have a chilling effect on children simply wanting to play outdoors.”
She also emphasized how rare it is for children to want to play outside in today’s world, making this incident all the more devastating.
Community’s Response and Impact
The drive-by shooting has deeply affected the community, as it took the lives of two innocent people, one of whom was just a young child.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of public spaces, particularly where children gather to play. The fact that none of the victims knew each other highlights the random and senseless nature of the attack.
Detroit police launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects, Ware and Wheeler, on Wednesday. Both were arraigned in court on Saturday, and the community continues to grieve the loss of two young lives.