DETROIT, MI — A devastating playground shooting that claimed the lives of two young people — including a 4-year-old boy — has led to murder charges for two Detroit teens. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Saturday that Brandon Ware, 18, and William Wheeler, 19, are now facing a litany of charges stemming from the June 27 drive-by shooting near Denby High School, which killed Samir Grubbs, age 4, and Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey, age 18.
The shooting occurred around 8:50 p.m. at Skinner Playfield, located near the intersection of Dutchess Street and Morang Avenue on Detroit’s east side. According to police, Samir Grubbs was simply playing at the park with his mother and four siblings when the gunfire erupted. Neither he nor the other two victims had any connection to each other or to the suspects.
Charges and Investigation
Ware and Wheeler have each been charged with:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- One count of assault with intent to murder
- Two counts of discharging a firearm from a vehicle causing death
- One count of discharging from a vehicle causing serious injury
- Five counts of felony firearm
An earlier incident is believed to have sparked the violence. Investigators say an altercation on a city bus earlier that day escalated when someone removed a ski mask from Ware’s head. In retaliation, Ware and Wheeler allegedly returned later in a vehicle and opened fire at a group of people in the park, mistakenly believing they were involved in the earlier dispute.
Lives Taken Too Soon
Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey, 18, who was unarmed, was fatally shot and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Samir Grubbs, just four years old, was caught in the crossfire. His family is devastated. The third victim, a 17-year-old boy, survived but remains hospitalized.
“This is truly an American tragedy,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy, noting the horror of a child being killed while playing outdoors. “Hopefully it is not one that will have a chilling effect on children simply wanting to play.”
Community in Shock
The deaths of Samir and Daviyon have shaken the Detroit community, sparking calls for both justice and deeper efforts to curb youth violence. Family members of both victims spoke out Saturday, expressing unimaginable grief and frustration over the senseless loss of life. Community leaders are also urging witnesses to speak up and support ongoing investigations into youth gun violence.
Legal Proceedings
Ware and Wheeler were arrested on Wednesday following an intensive investigation by Detroit police and were arraigned Saturday. Both remain in custody. If convicted, they face life in prison without parole.
As the case moves forward, families of the victims and the Detroit community continue to mourn — a playground turned crime scene, and a city once again reeling from tragedy.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detroit Police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
