Grandparents of slain Grosse Pointe teen say she had promising future

Paige Stalker was straight-A student who wanted to be a doctor

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – A gunman is still on the loose after shooting four teenagers on Detroit's east side, killing one of them.

Police said on Christmas Day their detectives will still be following up on leads and tips in hopes of catching the killer. Police believe he started shooting while trying to rob the teens, and during the crime killed 16-year-old Paige Stalker.

The Grosse Pointe teen was a straight-A honor student who wanted to be a doctor. Her grandparents spoke to Local 4 News, who said she had such a promising future ahead of her.

"I miss her terribly. Just pray and pray, that's all I can do," said Joyce Lawrence, Paige's grandmother.

"She was just truly a joy and when she walked into a room," said Paige's grandfather, Dave Lawrence.

Dave Lawrence's voice trailed off as he remembers his granddaughter, Paige.

"I don't think I accept it yet. I know it's real, but I still expect her to walk through the door," Dave Lawrence said.

The 16-year-old could often be found at her grandparents' home.

"I'd say, 'Paige, what are you doing here?' and she'd say, 'Gammy get over it,' and we'd laugh because she was always stopping by," said Joyce Lawrence.

Dave Lawrence showed Local 4 News an email he sent Paige last year after another semester with straight As.

"'I'm so proud of you. It's so great having you as a granddaughter,'" Dave Lawrence read the email. "She wrote me back and said, 'Thank you, Poppy, and I'm happy to be your granddaughter,' and the thing is she meant it."

But the ambitious young teenager was killed late Monday night. The Grosse Pointe teen was with friends on Detroit's east side when a gunman opened fire on the vehicle. The 16-year-old was shot in the head.

There have been conflicting stories from the teens about what happened that night. Police believe this was a botched robbery attempt. About 30 shell casings were found at the crime scene.

Two teens have been released from the hospital and a third is in critical condition. A fifth teen was uninjured.

"He fell apart at the hospital and he's having such a hard time," said Joyce Lawrence. "Been to three priests to talk about. It's such been a difficult time for the entire family."

Paige leaves behind her parents, two older sisters and a younger brother. In her spare time, Paige volunteered at Beaumont Hospital and tutored young children.

"My granddaughter most wonderful," said Joyce Lawrence. "All grandparents say that but she was kind and generous and took care of everybody.

"Somebody in a terrible act took all that away from us and I can only hope that other people will help us," said Dave Lawrence.

Dave and Joyce Lawrence's wish this Christmas is hoping somebody with information will find the courage to come forward. Paige would've turned 17 next month.


About the Author:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism