Drive-by shooting on Detroit’s east side kills roller skating 11-year-old

Neighbors recall children crawling away from gunfire

DETROIT – A drive-by shooting on Detroit’s east side resulted in the death of an 11-year-old who was struck by a stray bullet.

Police said the car just pulled up Sunday, Jan. 7, and started shooting. It happened at about 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Beaconsfield and Courville streets.

Neighbors said the other children got on the ground and tried to crawl away from the gunfire.

“It was a very tragic incident. Someone drove by, fired shots; we do not know what the motive was in this, said Detroit Police Dept. Chief Arnold Williams. “Right now, we have very limited information, it is an open investigation. We need everybody’s help.”

Neighbors said the children were playing together and roller skating when the shooting happened.

Police brought out K-9 units Monday, Jan. 8, to look for evidence that may identify the person who fire the shots.

There is no description of the vehicle. Police are looking for video from the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5500.


About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Dane Kelly is a digital producer who has been covering various Michigan news stories since 2017.

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