Samir Grubbs, 4, and Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey, 18, Die in Deadly Drive-by Shooting Near Denby High School
Fatal drive-by shooting death of Samir Grubbs, 4, and Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey, 18
A drive-by shooting near Denby High School resulted in two fatalities and one non-life-threatening injury at Skinner Park on Friday evening. Police released two individuals initially considered suspects on Saturday afternoon. Family members shared statements about the incident, noting the victims were unrelated.
Relatives of the two deceased individuals addressed the incident on Saturday. It was confirmed that none of those affected knew each other. Jasmine Grubbs, the mother of four-year-old Samir, recalled he was the youngest of her six children.
Samir Grubbs
Jasmine Grubbs expressed that her son was adored by everyone. “Everyone just gravitated to him,” she shared. “He was everybody’s little man.”
Joseph Shelmonson, the father of eighteen-year-old Daviyon, mentioned his son’s interest in photography. “My son was helpful to a lot of people. He loved to help,” Joseph stated. He also learned that his son reportedly placed himself in harm’s way to protect others at the park when the gunfire erupted.
Community members described the senseless nature of the violence. A local minister stressed the danger it poses to children. “The children cannot play at parks in our city and be safe like they should be, can’t sit on their porches or in their homes and play their game safe like they should,” the pastor emphasized. The seventeen-year-old survivor suffered minor injuries.
Detroit Police Chief Bettison commented on the typical nature of such incidents, suggesting arguments often precede gunfire. “In these situations, it’s usually an argument. Some type of dispute and people with guns,” the chief explained. “We’re going to ensure we work this case relentlessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.” Authorities continue seeking public assistance, asking anyone with information to contact Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-SPEAK-UP. The investigation remains active.
