A 15-year-old suspect is in custody after fatally shooting a woman and critically injuring another outside a Detroit liquor store Friday night. The attack unfolded without warning on the 15500 block of East Warren Avenue in the Morningside neighborhood, leaving a family devastated and a community searching for answers.
What Happened
The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. when 57-year-old Faith Williams and her niece were walking into the liquor store. According to Detroit police and CBS News Detroit, the teenage suspect opened fire on the two women as they approached the entrance. Williams was fatally struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Her niece, whose name has not been released, was also hit by gunfire. She was transported to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition. Surveillance cameras inside and outside the store captured the entire incident, according to multiple reports from local outlets.
Fox 2 Detroit reported that the suspect fled the scene on foot but was taken into custody the following day after investigators reviewed the footage and received tips from the community. Police have not disclosed a motive for the attack, and it remains unclear whether the victims were specifically targeted or if the shooting was random.
The Victim
Faith Williams was described by family members as a loving grandmother who was simply running an errand when her life was taken. Relatives told local reporters she had no connection to the suspect and was not involved in any dispute prior to the shooting.
She was a grandmother. She was just going to the store. There was no reason for this.
A family member made the statement to Fox 2 Detroit while gathered at a vigil near the scene Saturday evening. Dozens of community members attended, placing candles and flowers at the entrance of the store where Williams was killed.
What We Know About The Suspect
The suspect is 15 years old. His name has not been released due to his age under Michigan juvenile privacy laws. Detroit police confirmed he was arrested Saturday after what they described as a swift investigation aided by video evidence.
Whether the teen will be charged as an adult or adjudicated in juvenile court has not been announced. Under Michigan law, minors as young as 14 can be tried as adults for certain violent felonies including first-degree murder. The Wayne County Prosecutor's office is expected to make that determination in the coming days.
The Neighborhood
The Morningside neighborhood on Detroit's east side has seen a troubling uptick in violent incidents in recent months. Community leaders have called for increased police presence and investment in youth intervention programs in the area. Business owners along East Warren Avenue told reporters they are tired of the violence driving customers away.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department's Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
