GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WTVB) – A 14-year-old boy and a woman in her 30s were killed Tuesday evening following a dispute over a soccer game at Southwest Elementary School in Grand Rapids.
According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, the incident began around 6:30 p.m. when a male suspect approached a group of juveniles playing at the park and asked to join their game. When the group turned him away, a verbal altercation ensued, leading the suspect to open fire on the teenager. The woman was shot after she reportedly stepped in to defend the boy during the confrontation.
The 14-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman was transported to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg described the event as “horrific,” noting that nearly eight other juveniles witnessed their friend being gunned down.
Following a search, police took the 18-year-old suspect into custody at his home.
As a result of the tragedy, Grand Rapids Public Schools closed both Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle High School on Wednesday to provide counseling and support for the affected community.
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