Detroit — Two teenagers have been charged with murder following a tragic shooting at a park that resulted in the deaths of a 4-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man. The suspects, 18-year-old Brandon Lee Ware and 19-year-old William McKinley Wheeler, face a series of serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and multiple counts related to firearm use.
The incident occurred on June 27 at Skinner Playfield, located near Denby High School. The shooting took place around 6:20 p.m. and left 4-year-old Samir Josiah Grubbs and 18-year-old Davlyon Shalmonson-Bey dead. A 17-year-old was also injured during the incident. According to police reports, Samir was at the park with his family, while Shalmonson-Bey was reportedly unarmed at the time of the shooting.
Authorities allege that the shooting stemmed from a prior conflict aboard a public bus, where a man allegedly took Ware’s ski mask. Following this altercation, Ware exited the bus on Riad Street and became a passenger in Wheeler’s truck. The duo then allegedly drove to Duchess Street, where Ware is accused of firing at individuals he believed were involved in the earlier incident at the park.
Both Ware and Wheeler fled the scene but were arrested later that week. Tragically, Samir and Shalmonson-Bey succumbed to their injuries shortly after the shooting at a local hospital. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy expressed her sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the heartbreaking consequences of violence in communities where children should feel safe to play outside.
“In today’s world of social media and reduced outdoor playtime, it’s distressing when children who seek enjoyment in local parks become victims of violence,” Worthy stated, reflecting on the broader implications of such incidents. “This horrifying tragedy underscores the need for safer environments for all children, as their simple desire to play shouldn’t come with the risk of violence.”
Ware and Wheeler are slated for arraignment Saturday afternoon as the investigation continues. The charges they face could lead to severe legal repercussions, which bring to light the ongoing issues of youth violence and public safety in urban areas.
As the neighborhood grapples with this devastating event, community members are left questioning the circumstances that led to such an act of violence, highlighting the urgent need for discourse about youth interaction and conflict resolution in public spaces.