HAZEL PARK, Mich. – A deadly overnight shooting at an after-prom party has left one person dead and another hospitalized, and now a short-term rental property at the center of the investigation is under scrutiny from the city.
Hazel Park police responded around 1:15 a.m. Friday to a home near Powell and Orchard avenues, just off I-75 and 9 Mile Road.
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--> Dispute at ‘after-prom’ party leads to deadly shooting in Hazel Park
Officers arrived to find a 20-year-old man from Detroit dead and a 19-year-old woman from Pontiac injured.
Investigators are still searching for a suspect.
“It’s not something that typically happens over here, so I don’t want to see this,” said Rhiron Tolentino, who lives in the neighborhood.
Short-term rental under fire
Neighbors say the home has been used as a short-term rental and has had problems before.
A search of the VRBO platform confirmed an active listing for the property.
The VRBO listing itself explicitly states that on-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Local 4 attempted to reach the property owner by phone, but there was no answer.
A notice posted on the front door from the city indicates the owner’s short-term rental license has been suspended.
Hazel Park’s ordinance caps short-term rental licenses at 30 citywide, limits occupancy to 10 people per property, and strictly forbids house parties.
“Condolences to everyone because one way or another, multiple families are affected,” Tolentino said.
Neighbors say they don’t necessarily oppose short-term rentals but expect renters and owners to follow the rules.
“It’s as simple as just having cameras. You won’t have a party if you have cameras,” Tolentino said.
Investigators were working to obtain search warrants as of Friday (May 29) morning.
No cameras were visible on the outside of the home, and the property owner was not present at the scene.
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the incident that occurred at our rental property in Hazel Park.
Our hearts go out to the victims and everyone affected by this tragedy.
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity and disruptive events at our properties.
This reservation was booked through a major third-party platform, and we are currently cooperating fully with the Hazel Park Police Department and local authorities in their ongoing investigation.
Because this is an active police matter, we cannot provide any further details at this time.
All further inquiries should be directed to the local police department.
Joe Rohrhoff, owner of the short term rental