As the investigation continues, Detroit Police are still in search of those responsible for a mass shooting at a block party on the east side of Detroit on July 7. The incident left two dead and 19 injured, and no arrests have been made despite the release of surveillance images showing a group approaching the crowd just before the gunfire erupted. Over 350 people were reported to be present when the shooting occurred on Reno Street and Rossini Drive shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to information from ClickOnDetroit.
The families of the victims are desperate for closure, among them the family of Phillip Arnold Jr., a 21-year-old who lost his life while reportedly attempting to help others. Gamerise Young, Phillip's mother, expressed her anguish at a press conference with FOX 2 Detroit, saying, "He was my baby. He gave me purpose. He gave us purpose." The incident, which may have had gang-related elements, also prompted a citywide crackdown on illegal block parties. Three months on, Young's pain remains raw, with her youngest son expressing a heart-wrenching desire to be reunited with his brother.
While the family grieves, the search for information drags on with little progress. Following the shooting, alleged to be one of the largest mass shootings in Michigan's recent history, the family has felt forgotten and has begun conducting their investigation, having received few updates from the police. "How do I find comfort when I have a 6-year-old who wants to kill himself so he can see his brother?" Young told FOX 2 Detroit in an interview reflecting on the immense grief the family is battling.
Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. In the hope of finding justice for Arnold and the other victims, Young begs the community for assistance. She shared her plea through WXYZ, "Help us get justice. Help me be able to tell my boys that people who hurt their brother won't hurt anybody else." Young laments the "no snitch mentality" pervasive in society, which she believes is hindering the progress of her son's case. Tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or the FAMLE program at 313-596-2260, where informants can remain anonymous.
