Two Teens Charged in Detroit Drive-By Shooting That Killed 4-Year-Old Boy and Young Man Near Denby High School
Detroit, MI – July 6, 2025
Two teenage suspects have been formally charged in connection with a devastating drive-by shooting that claimed the lives of two individuals—one of them a 4-year-old boy—near Denby High School in Detroit last month. The arrests come after weeks of intense investigation and community pressure for justice in a case that has shaken the city to its core.
The shooting occurred in the early evening hours of June 12, near the intersection of Kelly Road and Penrose Street, just a short distance from Denby High School. According to the Detroit Police Department, multiple gunshots were fired from a passing vehicle toward a group of people standing near a residential home. The barrage of bullets struck several victims, including a 4-year-old boy who was playing on a porch and a 28-year-old man nearby. Both were rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities now say the suspects—identified only as a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old due to their juvenile status—were involved in a targeted attack related to an ongoing feud, though the innocent young child and other victims were not believed to be the intended targets.
In a press conference held Friday afternoon, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced multiple charges against both teenagers, including two counts of first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and multiple weapons offenses.
“The magnitude of this tragedy is almost indescribable,” Prosecutor Worthy said. “A 4-year-old child was robbed of his entire life before it even began. No child should ever become collateral damage in any dispute, no matter the reason. These senseless acts of violence must stop.”
Surveillance footage from nearby buildings, along with eyewitness accounts and tips from the public, played a crucial role in identifying the suspects. Police recovered the vehicle allegedly used in the shooting and have also recovered at least one firearm believed to have been used in the incident. Ballistics tests are currently underway to confirm.
Detroit Police Chief James White also spoke at the press conference, thanking the community for its cooperation and pledging continued efforts to combat youth gun violence.
“We are tired of burying our children,” Chief White said. “This case has touched a nerve across Detroit, and rightfully so. We are going to do everything in our power to hold those responsible fully accountable.”
The shooting has left an indelible mark on the local community, particularly in the area around Denby High School, which has seen an increase in gun-related incidents over the past year. The boy’s death has spurred candlelight vigils, marches against violence, and renewed efforts from grassroots organizations to reach at-risk youth before they fall into cycles of crime.
“He had just started preschool,” said a family member of the 4-year-old victim, holding back tears at a vigil days after the shooting. “He loved dinosaurs, toy trucks, and ice cream. He didn’t deserve this. No one does.”
The 28-year-old man who also died in the shooting was believed to be a family friend and was known in the neighborhood as a mentor to local teens. Loved ones described him as “the kind of person who looked out for others, who made sure kids got home safe.”
The teenage suspects are being held in juvenile detention facilities and will undergo court hearings in the coming days. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of seeking to have them tried as adults, given the severity of the charges and the fatal outcome.
Meanwhile, city officials, school administrators, and community activists are calling for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to prevent future tragedies. Plans are being discussed for expanding mental health services, after-school programs, conflict resolution education, and gun buyback initiatives.
“We have to intervene earlier,” said Councilwoman Lisa Carter, who represents the district. “We have to show these kids that there are other paths besides violence. If not, we’ll keep ending up here—mourning, grieving, and wondering what could’ve been done sooner.”
As the case unfolds in court, the city of Detroit continues to mourn the lives lost, rally around the affected families, and demand long-overdue action to stem the rising tide of gun violence affecting its youngest and most vulnerable residents.