**Detroit Park Shooting Leaves 4-Year-Old and Teen Dead, Another Injured Near Denby High School**

DETROIT, MI — A devastating wave of grief has engulfed Detroit’s east side following a senseless act of violence that shattered what should have been a peaceful summer evening. Gunfire erupted at a community gathering near Denby High School on Friday, June 27, 2025, leaving two young lives lost and a third teen critically injured.

Authorities have identified the victims as 4-year-old Samir Josiah Grubbs, a bright and joyful child whose infectious laughter was well-known in the neighborhood, and 18-year-old Davyion (full name pending official release), a recent high school graduate with dreams of pursuing a career in music. A 17-year-old male was also wounded in the shooting and remains hospitalized in serious condition at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

According to the Detroit Police Department, the shooting occurred just after 8:30 p.m. at a park near the intersection of Kelly Road and Rossini Drive, in close proximity to Denby High School. Families had gathered for what began as a routine Friday night—children playing, music playing, and neighbors mingling—before chaos unfolded.

Multiple gunshots rang out suddenly, sending people scrambling for cover. Witnesses described a horrifying scene: parents screaming, children crying, and bystanders rushing to aid the injured. Samir, just 4 years old, was struck while playing near a slide. Davyion, who had reportedly been sitting on a bench nearby, was also hit. Despite efforts from emergency responders, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The 17-year-old victim, whose name is being withheld due to his age, was struck in the abdomen and rushed to the hospital, where he remains under close medical supervision. Officials have not confirmed whether he was the intended target or a bystander.

Detroit Police Chief James White spoke emotionally during a late-night press briefing, calling the shooting “one of the most heartbreaking tragedies our city has witnessed in recent years.”

“A 4-year-old boy, full of life and promise, is gone. An 18-year-old young man, with his whole future ahead of him, is gone. We cannot and will not allow this kind of violence to become the norm in our neighborhoods.”

Police are actively investigating the shooting, and early evidence suggests that the gunfire may have been the result of a targeted dispute between rival groups. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area and interviewing witnesses who may have seen the shooter or shooters flee the scene. No arrests have been made as of Saturday evening.

Residents and community leaders are reeling from the trauma and demanding swift justice. Many have taken to social media to express heartbreak and anger, calling for an end to the violence plaguing Detroit’s neighborhoods.

Tamika Johnson, a community advocate who arrived at the park shortly after the shooting, said, “This was a park filled with families and children. That baby had nothing to do with any of this. We’re tired. We are so tired of burying our kids.”

A growing memorial of candles, stuffed animals, and handwritten messages now marks the park where the shooting took place. Samir’s parents, devastated and surrounded by loved ones, spoke briefly to local reporters through tears.

“He was just playing. Just playing,” said Samir’s mother, clutching his favorite toy. “We were supposed to go get ice cream after.”

City officials, including Mayor Mike Duggan, have vowed to expand outreach and violence prevention efforts in the area. In a statement, the mayor emphasized the importance of community support, mental health services for affected families, and increased collaboration between police and neighborhood organizations.

Counselors will be available at Denby High School and nearby elementary schools starting Monday to support students and staff coping with the emotional impact of the tragedy.

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

A candlelight vigil to honor Samir and Davyion is scheduled for Sunday evening at the park. Organizers say the event will serve as a call for peace, healing, and urgent action.

This tragic shooting leaves behind not only grieving families but also a city once again faced with the harsh reality of gun violence. As Detroit searches for answers, the memories of Samir and Davyion serve as a painful reminder of how fragile—and precious—life is.