DETROIT – A triple fatal shooting on Detroit’s west side early Sunday morning has left three young people dead and multiple families grappling with grief, shock, and unanswered questions.
Detroit police sources told Local 4 that three guns were from the victims.
We’re told both parties were attending a drag racing event.
One victim was allegedly seen pointing an AK-style weapon at the person who ended up being the shooter.
The three victims, according to Detroit police sources, were the aggressors in this situation and began beating the shooter in his vehicle.
Detroit police sources also said late Tuesday (April 21) that the Wayne County prosecutor’s office has denied charges against the shooter.
“It was my whole world. That’s all I live for: my kids. That’s all I live for,” Stacy Roberson, who lost two of her four children in the Sunday morning shooting, told Local 4.
The violence erupted following a crash, according to Detroit police.
Detroit police said officers responded around 3 a.m. April 19 to a Sunoco gas station at W McNichols Road and Lahser Road on the city’s west side for reports of a shooting.
Investigators said the violence appeared to have stemmed from a physical altercation following a car crash that happened prior to the gunfire.
Local 4 was told the 22-year-old alleged shooter stayed at the scene and is still in custody.
“Our condolences go out to all the families impacted by this tragic incident,” police said.
Siblings killed
Among those killed were tight-knit siblings Trevor “Hairy” Sheeler Jr., 25, and Jasmine “Jazzy” Sheeler, 24, a loss their mother, Stacy Roberson, said has “shattered” her world.
She described her son and daughter as inseparable and full of life, always calling, texting, and checking in with their mom.
“There’s a hole in my heart,” Roberson said through tears. “There’s a hole in my heart that I know will never be filled again. It will never be filled again. I don’t know how I’m gonna do it.”
Her son, she said, had “no filter and a deep bond” with her.
“I was his best friend,” she said.
Jasmine, she said, was quirky and brought her own energy into every room.
“Jasmine was outgoing,” she said. “Always trying to pull somebody to do something with her. Just, you know, they were just lovable.”
Both siblings were parents. Jasmine leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter. Trevor leaves behind two children, ages six and five.
Roberson said the loss feels impossible to process.
She said they were simply out celebrating a birthday party.
“It just didn’t make any sense to me,” Roberson said. “I still can’t even believe that they’re gone over foolishness.“
24-year-old also killed in shooting
Another victim, identified by the family as Lester Owens III, 24, was also killed in the shooting.
His family described him as a vibrant, hard-working, and kind young man with a bright future cut short.
“That was my baby,” his father, Lester Owens Jr., told Local 4. “That was my everything. He had so much future. His life was ended by nonsense. He had a beautiful heart. He was loved by many.”
The large family left behind told Local 4 they are struggling not only with the loss, but with how they keep learning more about what may have happened.
“It seemed like the justice system is letting me down already, because it’s like I’m seeing my son get blown away on the internet,” his father said. “Police haven’t came out here to talk to me or anything. I’m not getting any information. I want justice for my son.”
“The biggest thing I ask for is justice for him,” his uncle, Jason Owens, said.
His grandfather said the loss has shaken the family to its core, and he wants to see every person responsible held accountable.
Alleged shooter’s family responds
Meanwhile, the family of the alleged shooter, who remains in custody, told Local 4 there is “a lot more to the story,” adding that the incident began well before the group arrived at the gas station. They added that the alleged shooter and shooting victims “did not know each other.”
“He did not intend to go out and harm anyone that night,” the alleged shooter’s family told Local 4. “He was in fear for his life.”
Detroit police have not released further details as the investigation continues.
Charges have not yet been filed.