Detroit's west side community has been shaken by a suspected murder-suicide that took place last Tuesday night, authorities report. According to CBS News Detroit, a distress call around 11:30 p.m. led Detroit police to a residence on the 18000 block of Shaftsbury Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman with a gunshot wound who was subsequently taken to the hospital and pronounced deceased.
The investigation, which continues to unfold, has suggested that the woman was shot by her boyfriend, who police believe then tragically chose to turn the gun on himself. "There was not any type of argument or fight that was heard by anyone in the home before this occurred. It was really a shock to the family," Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay explained in a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit. ClickOnDetroit adds that the couple had been in a relationship for several years without a reported history of domestic violence.
Also residing in the home were the victim's mother, a 16-year-old, and a 12-year-old, as noted by ClickOnDetroit. A non-verbal 15-year-old associated with the family was not present at the time. The occupants in the house reportedly did not witness the event. Neighbors expressed their shock and devastation, emphasizing the rarity of such incidents in their community. "Murder-suicide is one of the worst things that can take place," said local resident Reginald Williams in the CBS News Detroit report. "For something like this to happen here is unheard of."
Authorities have acknowledged a history of mental illness with the suspect, as per FOX 2 Detroit. Meanwhile, Detroit Police have assured that there are resources available to assist those struggling with mental health issues, pointing to the Detroit-Wayne Integrated Health Network which offers crisis services and a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-241-4949. Commander McKay from FOX 2 Detroit further reported, "While police called the shooting a "domestic violence incident," the family told them there had never been issues between the suspect or the victim."
