4-year-old boy killed in shooting at Detroit park demands justice
- A shooting at Skinner Playfield left two dead, including a 4-year-old boy and an 18-year-old.
- The mother of the young victim called for the shooter to turn themselves in during a public appeal.
- Community groups are collaborating with police to enhance safety and seek justice for the families affected.
In Detroit, Michigan, a tragic shooting occurred on the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, claiming the lives of two individuals including a 4-year-old boy. The incident happened at Skinner Playfield, located near Morang Avenue and Duchess Street, close to Denby High School, when families were present enjoying the park. Witnesses stated that the chaos unfolded almost immediately after they arrived, with gunfire erupting shortly thereafter. Local police reported that in addition to the young victim, an 18-year-old was also killed in the shooting incident, while a 17-year-old sustained injuries but was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. The shocking nature of the event has drawn significant community attention and concern, particularly because it involved such a young child, which has left residents and loved ones in grief and disbelief. Jasmine Grubbs, the mother of the deceased child, shared her heart-wrenching experience of losing her son shortly after arriving at the park with her five children. She described the moment as chaotic, with shots fired almost immediately upon their arrival. In a desperate attempt to save him, she rushed her boy to Henry Ford St. John Hospital, but tragically, he did not survive. Jasmine's pain is compounded by the responsibility of informing her four surviving children of their sibling's death, a task she described as devastating and indescribably hard. Widespread shock has reverberated through the community, prompting officials to call for unity in efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison emphasized the challenge of this case due to the age of the youngest victim and noted that two individuals were taken into custody as persons of interest. As the investigation continues, community groups are mobilizing to gather information and provide support, and Jasmine Grubbs has publicly urged the shooter to turn themselves in, advocating for accountability and seeking justice for her son. This violent act has highlighted the urgent need for collective action in ensuring the safety of children and families in neighborhoods across Detroit.