SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A shooting at a Southfield apartment building killed two people on Christmas Day.
It happened at the Riverstone Apartments on Shiawassee Road at about 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 25.
First responders found three people who had been shot.
A 23-year-old woman was reportedly hit in the hand and is expected to be OK.
Police said a 20-year-old man from Madison Heights and a 30-year-old man from Detroit would later die after being taken to hospitals.
Authorities said the shooting stemmed from an assault that happened earlier that day. Police believe the woman’s boyfriend assaulted her and left.
The woman reportedly invited a friend over to the apartment after the assault, and the friend brought another man with him.
The boyfriend returned and forced his way into the apartment, where he and the other man allegedly exchanged gunfire.
The woman’s friend and the other man went to a nearby hospital for treatment, while she and the boyfriend stayed at the scene before being taken to a hospital by first responders.
A 3-year-old boy was allegedly in the apartment during the shooting.
He was unharmed and has been turned over to another family member.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southfield Police Department at 248-796-5500.
Advocates for survivors of domestic violence say these types of incidents are dangerously common during holidays like Christmas and New Year’s due to financial stressors.
“You’re working through some of those stresses and trying to present some happy times,” said Ivette Brown, the director of social action and court advocacy for HAVEN Oakland. “We’re presenting as if things are okay, we’re doing our best because we want to make it a joyous time for our family and for our children.”
Advocates with HAVEN Oakland can help survivors create a safety plan in the event of an emergency or when a survivor is ready to leave an abusive relationship.
“Where is a safe place to go? Who can you contact? Having a safe code with someone you trust so that when you’re ready to make that decision you have some things in place for you and your family,” Brown said.
HAVEN’s 24-hour crisis line can help survivors access emergency shelter, therapy, and a court advocate. The 24-hour crisis support line is 248-334-1274.
“You may be ready and making a move and you need a personal protection order. Our advocates can help you through that process,” Brown said. “We can help you with that safety planning because every situation is unique.”
First Step is another non-profit agency that provides services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Wayne County.
Anyone in need of support can contact First Step’s 24-hour helpline at 734-722-6800.
“Periods like the holidays often intensify intimate partner violence because existing power and control dynamics collide with increased stress - financial pressure, crowded schedules, substance use, and heightened expectations around family and togetherness,” said First Step Interim Executive Director Jeni Hooper. “Holidays can also increase isolation. Survivors may be spending more time with the person harming them, have fewer opportunities to reach out for help, and may feel additional pressure to ‘keep the peace,’ which can escalate danger.”