Tahiry Broom dies in fatal Southfield shooting
Fatal Southfield shooting death of Tahiry Broom – Obituary
A 28-year-old Southfield man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a transgender woman outside an apartment complex.
The incident occurred on February 9 when police responded to reports of a woman lying face down in the snow near Riverstone Apartments on Shiawassee Street. The victim, later identified as 29-year-old Tahiry Broom of Cleveland, Ohio, was found with a gunshot wound to her head and was declared dead at the scene.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect, Robert Ridges III, who was arrested at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit hours later. Police used phone records to track the suspect, discovering that he had made multiple calls to sex workers, including Broom, on the day of the murder. Surveillance footage also confirmed that Broom had entered Ridges’ apartment before the incident.
Although the case is being investigated as a possible hate crime, the motive remains unclear. Ridges, who has no prior criminal history, claimed he did not know Broom was transgender. He has been charged with murder, felony firearm possession, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police have yet to gather sufficient evidence to charge Ridges with a hate crime, but they are continuing to review his phone and social media records for additional clues. Ridges is being held without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for February 26.
