News Summary
Grand Rapids has reported nine homicides this year, raising concerns about gun violence and public safety. Recent shootings claimed the lives of two individuals, with no suspects identified. Police emphasize the importance of community involvement in solving these cases while highlighting the progress made compared to previous years. Authorities confirm that the majority of homicides are targeted incidents rather than random acts of violence, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and contribute to ongoing investigations.
Grand Rapids has recorded nine homicides as of September 11, 2024, marking a critical point in the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. This figure includes two recent shootings that occurred just days apart in early September, with the perpetrators still unidentified and at large. The shooting deaths of 41-year-old Marcus Jerome Jones on September 2, and 23-year-old DaShawn Guyton on September 6, have raised concerns regarding public safety and the rising tide of violent crime in the area. Both victims’ deaths have been classified as homicides by the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Almost all of this year’s homicides in Grand Rapids have involved gunfire, emphasizing a worrying trend. Among these cases, a 15-year-old girl was killed due to injuries sustained in a house fire, which authorities allege was set by her own mother. In a separate case, a man is accused of killing his girlfriend before fleeing the state. The police department has been actively investigating all incidents and has made arrests in six out of the nine homicide cases reported this year.
Police Chief Eric Winstrom acknowledged that while the number of homicides remains too high, it represents a decline compared to previous years. In 2023, the city recorded 24 homicides, which decreased to 14 in 2024, suggesting some progress in crime control efforts. Chief Winstrom emphasized that the recent homicides, including those of Jones and Guyton, are targeted incidents rather than random acts of violence, which has helped to alleviate concerns of random shootings and daytime armed robberies within the community.
The investigations into the recent shootings are still in the early stages, with no arrests made specifically for the deaths of Jones and Guyton. Chief Winstrom has called for community involvement in solving these homicide cases, encouraging witnesses to come forward with any information that could help law enforcement. He reiterated the police department’s commitment to community safety and encouraged citizens to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities or providing relevant details about ongoing investigations.
Recent gun-related incidents have prompted the police chief to advocate for increased safety measures, particularly in alcohol-related situations. He has recommended that individuals refrain from carrying firearms when going out for drinks to prevent dangerous scenarios that can arise from alcohol consumption and weapon accessibility.
Further illustrating the ongoing battle against gun violence in the city, the police announced charges against five suspects linked to the homicide of Darryl Yaber, a case involving multiple individuals with prior criminal connections to gun violence. Among the arrested is Dominike Sterling, who allegedly participated in Yaber’s killing despite being on parole for prior convictions that legally barred him from owning firearms. Charges against Sterling and another associate include first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Despite the recent violence, Chief Winstrom reassured the public that Grand Rapids remains a statistically safe place to live and visit. He highlighted the effectiveness of the police department’s detective work, which has led to arrests in the majority of homicide cases this year. While the community grapples with the challenges of violent crime, local law enforcement continues to work diligently to ensure public safety and uphold the law.
As the investigation continues, community members are reminded of their essential role in solving homicides and ensuring a safer environment for all. Witnesses are encouraged to share any pertinent information they may have, contributing to both community safety and the pursuit of justice for the victims’ families.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Police Chief – Grand Rapids Still a Safe City
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids First Gun Death 2025
- Google Search: Grand Rapids violence
- Fox17: Brother of Man Killed Charged in 2023 Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
- Free Press: Grand Rapids Protesters and Retrail
- Google News: Grand Rapids crime news
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
